Synergistic Performance of Pectin with Monoethylene glycol as Environment Friendly and Sustainable Hydrate Inhibitor

Abstract

This research explores the capability of pectin as a hydrate inhibitor, along with its potential synergy with monoethylene glycol (MEG). The inhibitory performance was evaluated by measuring the induction time (IT) required for hydrate formation under various concentrations (0.25 wt%, 0.5 wt%, and 1 wt%), employing methane gas at a pressure of 7.6 MPa with hydrate equilibrium temperature at 10.45 ℃. The cooling process was meticulously maintained at a consistent rate of 1℃ per hour below the hydrate equilibrium temperature throughout the experiment. Results revealed that while pectin exhibited slightly lower performance compared to commercial Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitors (KHIs), it demonstrates promising potential as a viable alternative to traditional non-biodegradable and unsustainable KHIs. However, when blended with MEG, its performance increased rapidly. This is particularly significant for the smooth operation of the oil and gas industry offshore, where environmental concerns take precedence. The ability of pectin and MEG combination to effectively inhibit hydrate formation, combined with their biodegradable properties, positions it as an attractive candidate for future research in the field of deep-sea hydrate risk management.