Preventing Aggregation of Hydrate Particles during Transient Operations with Vitamin E Succinate

This study investigated the effect of vitamin E succinate (vitamin ES), which is environmentally benign, on its performance as a hydrate anti-agglomerant in static and transition flow operations. The inhibition performance of vitamin ES was evaluated with conventional surfactant systems, such as sorbitane monostearate (Span 60) and dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB). Under static flow (continuous mixing) conditions, the addition of any surfactant resulted in faster nucleation compared to the absence of a surfactant (bulk water system) as a result of the formation of a water-in-oil emulsion. The addition of Span 60 resulted in a stable torque change during hydrate formation at a high mixing rate, but there was a sharp increase in torque and a risk of blocking at a low mixing rate. Moreover, the addition of vitamin ES resulted in the prevention of the agglomeration of hydrate particle…