Investigation on gas hydrate formation and inhibition in energy applications: synergistic effect of pvp and salts / Nurul Masliyana Binti Zainal

Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology

Final Year Report (Bachelor of Chemical Engineering Technology (Hons) ) -- Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah - 2024

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Gas hydrates are crystalline compounds formed under high pressure and low temperature conditions, in which gas molecules, typically methane, are encapsulated within water molecules. While gas hydrates have significant potential as an energy source, their formation in pipelines and other infrastructure can lead to operational issues such as blockages and flow assurance problems. Therefore, understanding and controlling hydrate formation is critical for safe and efficient energy production and transportation. This thesis explores the synergistic effects of Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP) and salts as inhibitors of gas hydrate formation, aiming to enhance the understanding of hydrate management strategies in energy applications. PVP, a water-soluble polymer, has previously shown promise as a kinetic inhibitor in various hydrate systems, while salts such as NaCl, KCl, and CaCl₂ are known to influence water activity and the thermodynamic stability of hydrates. However, in this project the salt that used is NaCl and MgCl2. By investigating the combined influence of these substances, the study seeks to provide new insights into their potential use in preventing hydrate formation in natural gas transportation and storage systems. Experimental work was conducted using high-pressure and low-temperature reactors to observe the effect of varying concentrations of PVP and salts on methane hydrate formation. Parameters such as induction time, hydrate formation rate, and dissociation temperature were measured to evaluate the effectiveness of the inhibitors. Results showed that the presence of both PVP and salts produced a synergistic effect, significantly delaying hydrate formation and reducing the rate of hydrate growth. Additionally, the study found that the optimal performance of the PVP-salt combination varied depending on the specific salt used, with calcium chloride demonstrating the most promising results in terms of extended hydrate inhibition. The findings of this research contribute to the development of more efficient and cost-effective methods for gas hydrate management, with implications for the energy industry, particularly in the transportation and storage of natural gas. The synergistic use of PVP and salts offers a promising avenue for future hydrate inhibition strategies, potentially leading to safer and more reliable energy infrastructure.