Thermodynamic Modeling Of Electrolytic Solutions of Ionic Liquids for Gas Hydrates Inhibition Applications

Abstract

The formation of hydrates in oil and gas transmission pipelines can cause blockage inside them and disrupt the normal flow. It may cause safety problems along with economic loss. To avoid these problems, it is necessary to have knowledge about gas hydrate formation. In this regard, hydrate liquid vapor equilibrium (HLVE) modeling can prove to be of significance as it predicts the phenomenon accurately. Dickens and Quinby-Hunt model is used to predict HLVE points. The experimental data has been obtained from open literature concerning inhibition of gas hydrates. The electrolytic binary solution mixtures of ionic liquids and quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) with commercial hydrate inhibitors have been taken into consideration. Methanol and mono ethylene glycol (MEG) are commercially used inhibitors. The gases forming hydrates include CO₂, CH₄ and mixed gas (CO₂/CH₄/N₂). The experimental results are compared with the results obtained through modeling. The results show the applicability of the model as in case of QAS+MEG solution mixture hydrates with CO₂, it shows a good fit. The HLVE findings by model for CH₄ hydrates with EMIM-Cl+MEG solution mixture showed an average absolute error of less than 1% which is acceptable. The binary solution mixtures of NaCl+MEG, NaCl+MeOH and CaCl₂+MeOH with tertiary gas mixture rich in CO₂ were also modeled to find and compare the HLVE points from literature. It is found that the selected model is more suitable to be used in low pressure conditions and at high pressure, average absolute error (AAE) between experimental and modeling values is also high. It shows the suitability of the model and it can be further used in case of ionic compounds to predict hydrate inhibition behavior.