Additive for preserving the fluidity of fluids containing gas hydrates

1. An anti-agglomerant for gas hydrates, which comprises at least one surface-active non-quaternary nitrogen-containing compound having the following formulae

where R is a C 6 -C 24 hydrocarbyl group, m is 3, a=1, E is C1-C3 alkyl, —C(═O)CH 3 or

—C(═O)CH 2 CH 3 , and F is —C(═O)CH 3 or —C(═O)CH 2 CH 3 ;

or a salt thereof.

2. A method for inhibiting the agglomeration of gas hydrates in a conduit, where the conduit contains a flowing mixture comprising hydrocarbons with 1-4 carbon atoms and water and where hydrates are formed from the hydrocarbons and water; the method comprising the steps:

a) adding to the mixture an anti-agglomerant which comprises at least one surface-active non-quaternary nitrogen-containing compound having the formula

where R is a C 6 -C 24 hydrocarbyl group, m is 3, a=1, E is C1-C3 alkyl, —C(═O)CH 3 or

—C(═O)CH 2 CH 3 , and F is —C(═O)CH 3 or —C(═O)CH 2 CH 3 ;

or a salt thereof in an amount of 0.05-10%, based on the water content of the hydrocarbon/water mixture

b) flowing the mixture containing the anti-agglomerant through the conduit.

3. The method according to claim 2 wherein a corrosion inhibitor and/or a paraffin deposition inhibitor are added to the hydrocarbon/water mixture.

4. A composition containing

a) 1 part by weight of the gas hydrate anti-agglomerant as defined in claim 1 ; and

b) 0.0001-0.1 parts by weight of a corrosion inhibitor and/or a paraffin deposition inhibitor.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein 0.05-10% anti-agglomerate is added to said mixture.

6. The method of claim 2 wherein 0.5-3% anti-agglomerate is added to said mixture.

7. The method of claim 2 wherein the anti-agglomerant is added in an amount of at least 0.5% based on the water content.