Review on Application of Quaternary Ammonium Salts for Gas Hydrate Inhibition

Abstract

Gas hydrate solids occurrence is considered as one of the serious challenges in flow assurance as it affects the hydrocarbon production significantly, especially in deep water gas fields. The most cost-effective method to inhibit the formation of hydrate in pipelines is by injecting a hydrate inhibitor agent. Continuous studies have led to a comprehensive understanding on the use of low dosage hydrate inhibitors such as ionic liquid and quaternary ammonium salts which are also known as dual function gas hydrate inhibitors. This paper covers the latest types of quaternary ammonium salts (2020–2016) and a summary of findings which are essential for future studies. Reviews on the effects of length of ionic liquids alkyl chain, average suppression temperatures, hydrate dissociation enthalpies, and electrical conductivity to the effectiveness of the quaternary ammonium salts as gas hydrate inhibitors are included.