Abstract: A system, process, and apparatus are provided for the efficient continuous production of hydrates. Gas separated from a well fluid is fed into a hydrate reactor that is submerged under the sea at a predetermined depth. The hydrates generated in the hydrate reactor are then transferred to a marine vessel for shipping.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of compounds of the formula (1) where R1, R2 are each independently C1- to C22-alkyl, C2- to C22-alkenyl, C6- to C30-aryl or C7- to C30-alkylaryl, R3 is C1- to C22-alkyl, C2- to C22-alkenyl, C6- to C30-aryl or C7- to C30-alkylaryl, —CHR5—COO? or —O?, R4 is M, hydrogen or an organic radical which optionally contains heteroatoms and has from 1 to 100 carbon atoms, A is a C2- to C4-alkylene group, B is a C1- to C10-alkylene group, D is an organic radical which optionally contains heteroatoms and has from 1 to 600 carbon atoms, X, Y are each independently O or NR6, R5, R6 are each independently hydrogen, C1- to C22-alkyl, C2- to C22-alkenyl, C6- to C30-aryl or C7- to C30-alkylaryl, and M is a cation n is a number from 1 to 30 as corrosion inhibitors and gas hydrate inhibitors, and also the compounds of formula 1.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of compounds of the formula (1) where R1, R2 are each independently C1- to C22-alkyl, C2- to C22-alkenyl, C6- to C30-aryl or C7- to C30-alkylaryl, R3 is C1- to C22-alkyl, C2- to C22-alkenyl, C6- to C30-aryl or C7- to C30-alkylaryl, —CHR6COO? or —O?, A is a C2- to C4-alkylene group, B is a C1- to C10-alkylene group, X is O or NR7 R6, R7 are each independently hydrogen, C1- to C22-alkyl, C2- to C22-alkenyl, C6- to C30-aryl or C7- to C30-alkylaryl, R4 is a C1- to C50-alkyl, C2- to C50-alkenyl radical, C6- to C50-aryl or C7- to C50-alkylaryl, R5 is hydrogen, —OH or a C1- to C4-alkyl radical, n, m are each independently a number from 0 to 30, x is a number from 1 to 6, as corrosion and gas hydrate inhibitors, and also the compounds of formula 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of polymers which contain between 1 and 99 mol-% structural units of formula 1, wherein R1 represents hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl, R2 represents C1-C24-alkyl, C2-C24-alkylene or a C6-C18-aryl radical, which can be substituted with a C1-C12-alkyl group, A represents identical or different C2-C4 alkylene radicals and, x, represents whole number from 2-40 in quantities from 0.01-2 wt-%, in quantities from 0.01 to 2 wt-%, in relation to the aqueous phase. The polymers can be used as gas hydrate inhibitors.

Abstract: A method and a quaternary ammonium or phosphonium composition used therein for inhibiting retarding, mitigating, reducing, controlling and/or delaying formation of hydrocarbon hydrates or agglomerates of hydrates. The method may be applied to prevent or reduce or mitigate plugging of conduits, pipes, transfer lines, valves, and other places or equipment where hydrocarbon hydrate solids may form under the conditions. At least one quaternary ammonium or phosphonium compound is added into the process stream, where the compound may be mixed with another compound selected from other amino alcohols, esters, quaternary ammonium, phosphonium or sulphonium salts, betaines, amine oxides, amides, simple amine salts, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A system for forming gas hydrates includes a reactor adapted to receive a hydrate-forming fluid and a reaction fluid and react the hydrate-forming and reaction fluids within a reverse micellar solution to form gas hydrate particles; and a gas hydrate removal system coupled to the reactor, the gas hydrate removal system adapted to receive the gas hydrate particles within the reverse micellar solution and transport the gas hydrate particles away from the reactor. The gas hydrate removal system is adapted to transport gas hydrate particles away from the reactor concurrently with the formation of gas hydrate particles within the reactor.

Abstract: Toxic waste waters polluted with high levels of chemical byproducts of various industrial processes (e.g., waste water held in industrial holding ponds) are treated using gas hydrate to extract and remove fresh water from the polluted water, thus reducing the volume of toxic waste water inventories. Extracting fresh water by forming and removing the hydrate raises the concentration of dissolved materials in the residual concentrated brines to levels at which the residual fluid is suitable for use as an industrial feedstock. Furthermore, so raising the concentration of the residual brine will cause certain mineral species to precipitate out of solution, which mineral species are separated from the fluid and may be put to other uses, as appropriate. Food products are also advantageously concentrated by means of gas hydrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an additive, and its use for inhibiting nucleation, growth and agglomeration of gas hydrates by adding an effective amount of an inhibitor to a multiphasic mixture which tends to hydrate formation and consists of water, gas and optionally condensate, or to a drilling fluid which tends to form gas hydrates. Said inhibitor comprising dialkoxylated quaternary ammonium compounds of the formula 1 where R1, R2 are each independently radicals of the formulae—(B)—(O—A)n—O—CO—R5 or —(A—O)n—(C)—CO—O—R5, R3 is C1- to C30-alkyl or C2- to C30-alkenyl, R4 is an organic radical which optionally contains heteroatoms and has from 1 to 100 carbon atoms, R5 is an alkyl or an alkenyl, n is a number from 1 to 20, A is an alkylene group, B is an alkylene group, C is a C1- to C6-alkylene group and X is an anion, are used as gas hydrate inhibitors.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting formation of hydrocarbon hydrates in mixtures of water and a hydrate-forming guest molecule involves adding a reaction product to the mixtures in an effective amount to inhibit formation of the hydrocarbon hydrates under conditions otherwise effective to form the hydrocarbon hydrates in the absence of the reaction product. The product is made by the reaction of first reactant that is an amine or polyamine, or alcohol or polyalcohol, with a second, aldehyde reactant and a third reactant that is an alcohol or polyalcohol or, an amide or polyamide. Preferably, if the first and third reactants are both an alcohol or both a polyalcohol, they are not the same. A non-limiting example of a suitable amine would be a fatty alkyl amine, while formaldehyde would be a non-limiting of a suitable aldehyde and polyacrylamide would be a suitable third reactant.

Abstract: A method for recovering hydrocarbon trapped in a hydrate formation, comprising the steps of (a) contacting the hydrate formation with an aqueous solution comprising from 10% to 75% by weight of a salt such as potassium formate or acetate salt to liberate hydrocarbon from the hydrate formation and producing a mixture of hydrocarbon and water vapour; (b) transporting the hydrocarbon/water vapour mixture and the aqueous solution to a separator, whereby the said aqueous solution absorbs water vapour from the mixture during the transportation step, to form a more dilute aqueous solution of the alkali metal salt, thereby inhibiting formation of hydrocarbon hydrates; (c) separating hydrocarbon from said dilute aqueous solution; (d) regenerating the aqueous solution of step (a) by heating said dilute aqueous solution to remove absorbed water vapour; and (f) recycling the regenerated aqueous solution to step (a).

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are disclosed for separating and purifying aqueous solutions such as seawater by causing a substantially impermeable mat of gas hydrate to form on a porous restraint. Once the mat of gas hydrate has formed on the porous restraint, the portion of the mat of gas hydrate adjacent to the restraint is caused to dissociate and flow through the restraint, e.g., by lowering the pressure in a collection region on the opposite side of the restraint. The purified or desalinated water may then be recovered from the collection region. The process may be used for marine desalination as well as for drying wet gas and hydrocarbon solutions. If conditions in the solution are not conductive to forming hydrate, a heated or refrigerated porous restraint may be used to create hydrate-forming conditions near the restraint, thereby causing gas hydrates to form directly on the surface of the restraint.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are disclosed for separating and purifying aqueous solutions such as seawater by causing a substantially impermeable mat of gas hydrate to form on a porous restraint. Once the mat of gas hydrate has formed on the porous restraint, the portion of the mat of gas hydrate adjacent to the restraint is caused to dissociate and flow through the restraint, e.g., by lowering the pressure in a collection region on the opposite side of the restraint. The purified or desalinated water may then be recovered from the collection region. The process may be used for marine desalination as well as for drying wet gas and hydrocarbon solutions. If conditions in the solution are not conductive to forming hydrate, a heated or refrigerated porous restraint may be used to create hydrate-forming conditions near the restraint, thereby causing gas hydrates to form directly on the surface of the restraint.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of gas hydrates within a fluid comprising a gaseous hydrocarbon phase, a liquid hydrocarbon phase and an aqueous phase which method comprises mixing a polymeric emulsifier and optionally a non-ionic non-polymeric co-emulsifier with the fluid prior to subjecting the fluid to conditions under which gas hydrates can be formed so as to generate a water-in-oil emulsion comprising a discontinuous aqueous phase, a continuous liquid hydrocarbon phase and a substantially gas impermeable interfacial layer comprising said polymeric emulsifier and optionally said non-ionic non-polymeric co-emulsifier wherein the aqueous phase is distributed in the continuous liquid hydrocarbon phase in the form of droplets and the substantially gas impermeable interfacial layer encapsulates said droplets.

Abstract: In hydrate-based desalination or other water purification conducted using naturally buoyant or trapped-gas-assisted buoyancy hydrate in a hydrate fractionation column, a portion of fresh or purified product water is extracted from an upper, hydrate dissociation region of the fractionation column and reintroduced into a lower portion of the fractionation column at a point above but generally near a product water/saline water interface. The difference in density between the reintroduced product water and the fluid in the hydrate fractionation column above the point of reintroduction (water, hydrate, and gas) drives a natural circulation system which enhances the rate at which hydrate rises into the hydrate dissociation region.

Abstract: A process for separation of carbon dioxide and methane in which a gas mixture comprising carbon dioxide and methane is brought into contact with a methane hydrate solid material disposed in a reactor vessel, whereby the methane hydrate is displaced by carbon dioxide hydrate, thereby freeing the methane, which is then removed from the reactor vessel.

Abstract: A method for the separation of non-hydrocarbon gases from hydrocarbon gases, the method comprising the steps of: adding water and an agent adapted to reduce the interfacial tension between water and hydrocarbons to a first stream of desired hydrocarbon and undesired non-hydrocarbon gases to form a gas-agent-water mixture; pressurising the gas-agent-water mixture; and cooling the gas-water-agent mixture to initiate the formation of a hydrate richer in desired hydrocarbons and leaner in undesired non-hydrocarbons relative to the first stream of desired hydrocarbon and undesired non-hydrocarbon gases.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting hydrate formation in a hydrocarbon flow by adding an amount of a dendrimeric compound effective to inhibit formation of hydrates at conduit temperatures and pressures, and flowing the mixture containing the dendrimeric compound and any hydrates through the conduit. Preferably, a hyperbranched polyester amide is used as hydrate formation inhibitor compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds of the formula (1) in which R1 is C1- to C24-alkyl, C2- to C24-alkenyl or a C6- to C18-aryl radical which may be substituted by a C1- to C24-alkyl group, R2, R3 independently of one another, are hydrogen, C1- to C18-alkyl, or C8- to C7-cycloalkyl, or R2 and R3, including the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a ring of 4 to 8 ring atoms, in which oxygen or nitrogen atoms may also be present in addition to carbon. A are identical or different C2- to C4-alkylene radicals, B is C1- to C7-alkylene, and n is an integer from 1-40, as gas hydrate inhibitors.

Abstract: Water to be desalinated or otherwise purified is enriched by having hydrate-forming substance dissolved into it, without causing hydrate to form. Hydrate kernels are brought into contact with the enriched water to be treated, and the hydrate kernels grow outwardly into the water to be treated by incorporating dissolved molecules of the hydrate-forming substance and water from the water to be treated. Thus, substantially solid, generally spherical hydrate masses, which are preferred for hydrate-based desalination or purification, can be formed. Hydrate-forming substances can be dissolved into the water to be treated under conditions not conducive to formation of hydrate, such that hydrate does not form, using vigorous means. Hydrate-forming substance is also preferably dissolved into the water to be treated under conditions suitable for hydrate to form, but without causing hydrate to form, e.g., by being infused into the water to be treated using infusion membranes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for desalinating saltwater which utilizes a heatable vessel wherein is placed a sufficient quantity of a salt which will absorb water of crystallisation and which has a dissolution index of not higher than 10?24. Saltwater is then added to the vessel and brought into contact with the salt, so that the salt will bind water from the saltwater and form a crystal hydrate. The excess saltwater with salt concentrate is drained from the vessel. The salt which has absorbed water tom the saltwater and formed a crystal hydrate is then heated in the vessel, and the pure water from the crystal hydrate is released as water vapour, which is collected and cooled to obtain desalinated water.

Abstract: Graft polymers are used as gas hydrate inhibitors.

Abstract: A method for the production of the natural gas hydrate characterized by the steps of: combining natural gas and water to form a natural-gas water system and an agent adapted to reduce the natural gas-water interfacial tension to form a natural-gas water-agent system, allowing the natural gas-water-agent system to reach equilibrium at elevated pressure and ambient temperature and reducing the temperature of the natural gas-water-agent system to initiate the formation of the natural gas hydrate.

Abstract: An organic compound capable of forming a hydrogen molecular compound such as a hydrogen clathrate is brought in contact with hydrogen gas in a pressurized state. It enables relatively light-weight and stable storage of hydrogen at or near the ordinary temperature and the ambient pressure and easy takeoff of the stored hydrogen.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the selective removal of CO2 from a multicomponent gaseous stream to provide a CO2 depleted gaseous stream. In practicing the subject methods, an initial multicomponent gaseous stream that includes a gaseous CO2 hydrate promoter is contacted with an aqueous fluid, e.g., CO2 nucleated water, in a hydrate formation reactor under conditions of selective CO2 clathrate formation to produce a CO2 clathrate slurry and CO2 depleted gaseous stream. Also provided are systems that find use in practicing the subject methods. The subject methods and systems find use in a variety of applications where it is desired to selectively remove CO2 from a multicomponent gaseous stream.

Abstract: A method for making gas hydrate comprising generating ultrafine bubbles in an aqueous solution; and spontaneously generating hydrate nuclei by self-compression and collapsing of the ultrafine bubbles.

Abstract: A method of transporting a flow of fluid hydrocarbons containing water through a treatment and transportation system including a pipeline, wherein the flow of fluid hydrocarbons is introduced into a reactor where it is mixed with particles of gas hydrates which are also introduced into the reactor. The effluent flow of hydrocarbons from the reactor is cooled in a heat exchanger to ensure that all water present therein is in the form of gas hydrates. The flow is then treated in a separator to be separated into a first flow and a second flow. The first flow has a content of gas hydrate and is recycled to the reactor to provide the particles of gas hydrates mentioned above. The second flow is conveyed to a pipeline to be transported to its destination.

Abstract: A humidification system (A) for humidifying a dry hydrocarbon stream includes a column (10) which defines an interior cavity (20). The cavity is partially filled with a bed (12) of a packing material (40) and a layer of water (20), leaving a headspace above the water. An inlet (52) adjacent a lower end of the cavity receives a dry hydrocarbon stream which is broken up by the packing material and dissolves water as it passes therethrough. Entrained water droplets fall out of the wet blend in a disengagement zone (70) above the water layer leaving the hydrocarbon stream humidified yet substantially free of liquid water in an upper region (72) of the column.

Abstract: A process is provided for stabilizing a petroleum liquid feed stream which contains a more volatile hydrocarbon portion, a less volatile hydrocarbon portion and water. The more volatile hydrocarbon portion of the petroleum liquid feed stream is reacted with the water in a fluidized bed heat exchanger to form a solid hydrate and a petroleum liquid product which contains the remaining less volatile hydrocarbon portion of the petroleum liquid feed stream. The petroleum liquid product is separated from the solid hydrate to recover the resulting petroleum liquid product which is substantially less volatile and more stable than the petroleum liquid feed stream and more suitable for storage or transport, particularly at low pressures.

Abstract: A method of transporting a flow of fluid hydrocarbons containing water through a treatment and transportation system including a pipeline, wherein the flow of fluid hydrocarbons is introduced into a reactor where it is mixed with particles of gas hydrates which are also introduced into the reactor. The effluent flow of hydrocarbons from the reactor is cooled in a heat exchanger to ensure that all water present therein is in the form of gas hydrates. The flow is then treated in a separator to be separated into a first flow and a second flow. The first flow has a content of gas hydrate and is recycled to the reactor to provide the particles of gas hydrates mentioned above. The second flow is conveyed to a pipeline to be transported to its destination.

Abstract: A steady-state method for producing gas hydrates provides seed gas hydrate particles in a reaction chamber, flows a hydrate-forming gas into the reaction chamber and flows water into the reaction chamber to produce several possible reactions. One reaction occurs from the combination of the seed gas hydrate particles, the hydrate-forming gas and the water to provide gas hydrate growth onto the seed gas hydrate particles. Another reaction occurs from the interaction of the hydrate-forming gas and the water to form new gas hydrate particles. Material is removed from the reaction chamber and fragmented and some of fragmented gas hydrate particles are recycled back into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting formation of hydrocarbon hydrates in mixtures of water and a hydrate-forming guest molecule involves adding a reaction product to the mixtures in an effective amount to inhibit formation of the hydrocarbon hydrates under conditions otherwise effective to form the hydrocarbon hydrates in the absence of the reaction product. The product is made by the reaction of first reactant that is an amine or polyamine, or alcohol or polyalcohol, with a second, aldehyde reactant and a third reactant that is an alcohol or polyalcohol or, an amide or polyamide. Preferably, if the first and third reactants are both an alcohol or both a polyalcohol, they are not the same. A non-limiting example of a suitable amine would be a fatty alkyl amine, while formaldehyde would be a non-limiting of a suitable aldehyde and polyacrylamide would be a suitable third reactant.

Abstract: A method for recovering large volumes of hydrocarbon fuels, particularly methane (CH4), using commercially available reagents which are strongly water-soluble and soluble in liquid CO2 in the presence of liquid CO2 injected into the methane hydrate formation. The reagents which are strongly water-soluble and soluble in liquid CO2 form dilute aqueous acids that significantly increase the rate of conversion of methane hydrate into methane and CO2 hydrate, thereby allowing the natural gas to be released in a form that can then be recovered in large quantities using conventional devices. The preferred embodiment uses SO3, HCl or other strongly water soluble gas to cause the methane hydrate ice crystals to melt and form an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution contacts the methane hydrate ice on one side and liquid carbon dioxide on the other side.

Abstract: A transport process for a wet gas employs a subsea heat exchanger having first and second flowpaths separated by a heat transfer surface. A cooler heat transfer medium is conveyed through the first flowpath in a liquid phase while a warmer hydrocarbon stream having a gaseous hydrocarbon phase and a liquid aqueous phase is conveyed through the second flowpath, which cools the hydrocarbon stream and heats the heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium is converted by heating to a vapor phase, which is conveyed to a passive condenser associated with the subsea heat exchanger. The ambient temperature of the sea water submersing the condenser cools the heat transfer medium and restores it to the liquid phase for reuse in the heat exchanger. A portion of the hydrocarbon stream is converted by cooling to a plurality of solid gas hydrate particles while a solid particle medium entrained within the hydrocarbon stream prevents the build-up of gas hydrate particles in the second flowpath.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of polymers which contain between 1 and 99 mol-% structural units of formula 1, 1

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for maximizing the efficiency of hydrate-based desalination or other water purification in open-water or partially open-water installations are disclosed. In one embodiment, water is accessed from depth where the ambient temperature is as cold as possible, which depth is other than the maximum depth of the hydrate fractionation column used in the process. The accessed water preferably is brought to reduced pressures so that gases other than hydrate-forming gases that are dissolved in the water to be treated are exsolved. Using pre-pressurized sources of hydrate-forming substances, including deep-sea natural gas deposits or supplies of liquified natural gas being transported by sea, are also disclosed. A multiple column, detachable column fractionation installation is disclosed, as is a hybrid installation having an underwater hydrate formation portion and a land-based dissociation and heat-exchange section.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrate includes supplying hydrate producing substance in a gas state into an aqueous phase in a hydrate producing vessel, thereby providing the hydrate producing vessel having a gaseous phase including the hydrate producing substance and the aqueous phase, and spraying water including methane dissolved therein into the gaseous phase containing the hydrate producing substance in the hydrate producing vessel, thereby reacting the water and the hydrate producing substance to produce hydrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separation of gas constituents from a multicomponent gaseous mixture employing a hydrate promoter. The method for separation of gas constituents from a multicomponent gaseous mixture includes the steps of reacting an aqueous solution containing a hydrate promoter with a multicomponent gaseous mixture to form a gas hydrate condensed with the gas constituents of high gas hydrate forming power and dissociating a specific gas component from the gas hydrate. In accordance with the present invention, a specific gas component can be seperated from a multicomponent gaseous mixture under a pressure much lower than that of the prior art method, which makes possible its practical application in various industrial areas emitting exhaust gases.

Abstract: A method and a composition used therein are disclosed for inhibiting formation of hydrocarbon hydrates. The composition comprises an onium compound, an amine salt and, optionally, a solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds of the formula (1) in which R1 is C1-C30-alkyl, C2-C30-alkenyl or a group of the formula —CH2—CO—NR2R3 or a C6-C18-aryl radical which may be substituted by a C1-C12-alkyl group, R2, R3 independently of one another, are hydrogen, C1-C6-alkyl or C5-C7-cycloalkyl, or R2 and R3, including the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a ring of 4 to 8 ring atoms, it being possible for the ring also to contain oxygen or nitrogen atoms in addition to carbon atoms, A is a C2-C4-alkylene radical and n is an integer from 1 to 20, as gas hydrate inhibitors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a hydrate slurry, which involves the preparation of an aqueous solution of a guest compound for forming a clathrate hydrate, cooling the aqueous solution, and contacting the aqueous solution with nuclear particles. A thermal storage method, a thermal storage apparatus, and a thermal storage medium using an aqueous solution of a clathrate hydrate, in a concentration which provides a congruent melting point or lower. A refrigerating apparatus and an air conditioner using the thermal storage apparatus and the thermal storage medium.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desalination of salt water (and purification of polluted water) are disclosed. Salt (or otherwise polluted) water is pumped to a desalination installation and down to the base of a desalination fractionation column, where it is mixed with hydrate-forming gas to form either positively buoyant or negatively buoyant (assisted buoyancy) hydrate. The hydrate rises or is carried upward and dissociates (melts) into the gas and pure water. In preferred embodiments, residual salt water which is heated by heat given off during formation of the hydrate is removed from the system to create a bias towards overall cooling as the hydrate dissociates endothermically at shallower depths. In preferred embodiments, the input water is passed through regions of dissociation in heat-exchanging relationship therewith so as to be cooled sufficiently for hydrate to form at pressure-depth.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desalination of salt water (and purification of polluted water) are disclosed. Saline (or otherwise polluted) water is pumped to a desalination installation and down to the base of a desalination fractionation column, where it is mixed with hydrate-forming gas or liquid to form either positively buoyant (also assisted buoyancy) or negatively buoyant hydrate. The hydrate rises or sinks or is carried into a lower pressure area and dissociates (melts) into the gas and pure water. In preferred embodiments, residual salt water which is heated by heat given off during formation of the hydrate is removed from the system to create a bias towards overall cooling as the hydrate dissociates endothermically at shallower depths, and input water is passed through regions of dissociation in heat-exchanging relationship therewith so as to be cooled sufficiently for hydrate to form at pressure-depth.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composition comprising a mixture with ester and amine function in the form of ester-amines, amines, salts of amines, monoglycerides and diglycerides all derived from monomeric, dimeric, trimeric, and/or tetrameric fatty acids contained in polymerized polyunsaturated oil comprising: (a) polymerizing a polyunsaturated vegetable or animal oil to form a polymerized oil, (b) treating the polymerized oil with water vapor, and (c) reacting the polymerized oil with an excess of at least one compound containing at least one hydroxyl function and at least one tertiary amine function, optionally in the presence of a catalyst. Said methods further comprise adding the compositions to an oil effluent as dispersing agents for hydrates.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and systems for extracting hydrocarbon gases from hydrates, and more particularly relates to methods and systems for maximizing the efficiency of energy transfer of electromagnetic (EM) radiation of specified frequencies to the hydrate mass and the dissociation of methane and other trapped hydrocarbon gases from their hydrate cages through a unique EM-induced collective molecular vibronic process.

Abstract: A composition for preventing or retarding the formation of gas hydrates during the transport of a fluid comprising water and a hydrocarbon through a conduit. The composition is a homopolymer of vinyl caprolactam, or copolymers thereof, having a low molecular weight in the range of 500 to 2500, which is made in a polymerization solvent, preferably a glycol ether, most preferably 2-butoxyethanol and also including a carrier solvent, preferably monoethylene glycol.

Abstract: A novel amine is provided with improved water dispersibility which is useful to modify the formation of hydrates in streams containing low-boiling hydrocarbons and water.

Abstract: A transport process for a wet gas employs a subsea heat exchanger having first and second flowpaths separated by a heat transfer surface. A cooler heat transfer medium is conveyed through the first flowpath in a liquid phase while a warmer hydrocarbon stream having a gaseous hydrocarbon phase and a liquid aqueous phase is conveyed through the second flowpath, which cools the hydrocarbon stream and heats the heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium is converted by heating to a vapor phase, which is conveyed to a passive condenser associated with the subsea heat exchanger. The ambient temperature of the sea water submersing the condenser cools the heat transfer medium and restores it to the liquid phase for reuse in the heat exchanger. A portion of the hydrocarbon stream is converted by cooling to a plurality of solid gas hydrate particles while a solid particle medium entrained within the hydrocarbon stream prevents the build-up of gas hydrate particles in the second flowpath.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting or retarding formation of hydrates from water and a lower alkane, such as methane or ethane, involves adding additives which comprise (i) a corrosion inhibitor and (ii) a salt which is of formula [R1(R2)XR3]+Y−, wherein each of R1, R2 and R3 is bonded directly to X, each of R1 and R2, which may be the same or different is an alkyl group of at least 4 carbons, X is S, NR4 or PR4, wherein each of R3 and R4 which may be the same or different represents hydrogen or an organic group, with the proviso that at least one of R3 and R4 is an organic group of at least 4 carbons, and Y is an anion, the additives being added in an amount effective to inhibit or retard hydrate formation, to a medium susceptible to hydrate formation.

Abstract: In order to improve the transport of oilfield effluents comprising water, a gas and possibly a liquid hydrocarbon phase under thermodynamic conditions which can lead to the formation of hydrates, a formulation containing at least two additives, one of which behaves as a hydrate crystal nucleation agent, is added to the effluent to be transported.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for making a hydrate slurry, which prepare an aqueous solution of a guest compound for forming a clathrate hydrate, cool the aqueous solution, and contact a nuclear particles; furthermore, a thermal storage method, a thermal storage apparatus, and a thermal storage medium by using an aqueous solution of clathrate hydrate, whose concentration is a congruent melting point or lower; furthermore, an refrigerating apparatus and an air conditioner for using the thermal storage method, the thermal storage apparatus and the thermal storage medium.