Title: Effect of Ethanolamine and Polyvinylpyrrolidone on Gas Hydrate Formation in a Simulated Offshore System
Authors: Ndidi Emeka Uzoigwe, Toyin Olabisi Odutola
Volume: 9
Issue: 8
Pages: 63-70
Publication Date: 2025/08/28
Abstract:
Gas hydrate formation poses a significant threat to flow assurance in offshore oil and gas operations, often resulting in blockages, production shutdowns, and safety hazards. This study investigates the individual and combined effects of ethanolamine (MEA), a corrosion inhibitor, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a kinetic hydrate inhibitor (KHI), on methane hydrate formation in a simulated offshore flow loop system. Experiments were conducted at 150 psia using natural gas (98.44 % methane, 1.56 % CO?) and fresh water, with inhibitor concentrations ranging from 0.01 wt % to 0.05 wt %. Pressure-temperature data were monitored over two-hour runs to assess nucleation time, gas consumption, and inhibition efficiency. PVP alone demonstrated superior hydrate suppression, delaying nucleation and maintaining higher system pressures relative to the control and MEA-PVP mixtures. At optimal dosages, PVP exhibited a plateau phase in pressure decay, indicating effective growth inhibition, whereas MEA-PVP combinations showed continuous nonlinear decline without steady-state stabilisation. At 0.02wt% MEA and PVP combined, performed optimally, maintaining a pressure of about 116psia at the end of the 120minutes. These findings suggest that while both inhibitors offer hydrate control, PVP is more effective than its combination with MEA under the tested conditions. The results provide practical insight into chemical compatibility for simultaneous corrosion control and hydrate prevention in offshore production systems.