Using Simulation to Analyze the Effectiveness of Chitosan as a Green Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitor

Hydrate formation is a very important aspect in the field of gas flow assurance. Hydrates are ice-like formations that are composed of a cage of host molecules (water) entrapping guest molecules (gas). Some conditions must be met for the hydrates to be formed. These are low temperature, high pressure and the existence of water and gas molecules. The main objective of this study, after explaining about hydrate formation and studying means of inhibition is to produce a hydrate formation inhibitor with optimal concentration and degree of deacetylation, after simulating the function this inhibitor. After careful study and analysis, this inhibitor was chosen to be Chitosan, which is a green kinetic hydrate inhibitor.
The reason why hydrate inhibitors are needed in the field of gas production, processing and transportation is the major problems that are caused by the hydrate formation. Formation of hydrates inside the pipeline system can cause serious problems such as pipe blockage and corrosion. Pipeline blockage, or at least reduction of the internal diameter of the pipe as a result of hydrate accumulations, can also cause reduction in the production rates, which cost a significant amount of money. Furthermore, the common inhibitors nowadays are considered to be expensive and harmful to the environment. Therefore, this study aims to introduce a hydrate inhibitor that overcomes the limitations and disadvantages of the existing inhibitors.
The method of obtaining the inhibitor examined by this study, which is Chitosan, is from the outer skeleton of the crustaceans animals like shrimps. Then the Chitosan is prepared and tested in different deacetylation degrees and concentrations and simulated using Hydoff Software. The results are then analyzed to present the optimal concentration. But before that, the mixture of the gas that is to be used in the simulation is studied for its phase properties in order to know its normal phase properties so that those properties are to be compared with the gas mixture in contact with the inhibitor. These properties are determined using Hydoff Software.