Evaluation of 1-Decyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate as clathrate hydrate crystal inhibitor in drilling fluid

A detailed experimental investigation was carried out for measuring clathrate hydrate crystal inhibition efficiency of 1-Decyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate (ionic liquid). The effectiveness of ionic liquid as hydrate inhibitor was measured in terms of induction time of hydrate crystals in the experimental solution. The experiments were conducted and performance of inhibitor was tested with tetrahydrofuran (THF) hydrates using the superheated hydrate test method. Hydrate inhibition efficiency of ionic liquid was compared with commonly used kinetic inhibitor polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and found to be much effective for hydrate inhibition in experimental solution (with or without precursors). 1-Decyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate presents anti-agglomerate characteristics. The tested inhibitor showed a better performance against “memory effect” in the solution. Effect of concentration of ionic liquid on the drilling fluid rheology was studied at 20 °C and 2 °C, representing marine conditions and found to perform satisfactorily. Hence, 1-Decyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate can be effectively used as a hydrate crystal inhibitor in drilling fluid for gas hydrate bearing formation.