Abstract: A method is disclosed for inhibiting the plugging of a conduit for the transport of hydrocarbon fluids by gas hydrates.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for inhibiting the plugging of a conduit for the transport of hydrocarbon fluids by gas hydrates, wherein use is made of a hydrate formation inhibitor component of formula(R.sub.1) (R.sub.2) (R.sub.3) (R.sub.4)A.sup.+ Y.sup.- (I)wherein two of R.sub.1 -R.sub.4 are independently normal or branched alkyls having 4 or 5 carbon atoms, two of R.sub.1 -R.sub.4 are independently representing organic moieties having at least 8 carbon atoms, A represents a nitrogen or a phosphorus atom, Y represents an anion and wherein at least one of R.sub.1 -R.sub.4 represents a --(CH.sub.2 --CHR.sub.5 --O).sub.p --(CH.sub.2).sub.q --(CHR.sub.6 --CH.sub.2).sub.r --(CH.sub.2 --CHR.sub.7).sub.s --(CHR.sub.8).sub.t --O--C(O)--R.sub.9 moiety with the meaning as defined in the description.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting the formation of hydrates in streams containing low-boiling hydrocarbons and water. The method includes adding to the stream a component of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 are independently chosen from the group consisting of normal and branched alkyls having at least 4 carbon atoms,and X is N--R.sub.4, wherein R.sub.4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and organic substituents andY.sup.- is an anion. The amount added is an amount that is effective to inhibit formation of hydrates in the mixture at conduit temperatures and pressures. The preferred R.sub.4 is an alkyl or alkenyl having from eight to twenty carbons, and the preferred R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 are alkyls having four to six carbon atoms.