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Interfacial mechanisms governing cyclopentane clathrate hydrate adhesion/cohesion
Zachary M Aman1, Erika P Brown, E Dendy Sloan
1Center for Hydrate Research, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, USA.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|October 11, 2011
Summary
This study measured cyclopentane clathrate hydrate cohesive forces using a micromechanical apparatus. Results provide insights into hydrate interparticle forces and tensile strength, crucial for understanding hydrate behavior.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Geophysics
Background:
- Clathrate hydrates, particularly cyclopentane clathrate hydrate, play a significant role in natural gas hydrates and geological processes.
- Understanding the cohesive and adhesive forces of hydrates is critical for predicting their stability and behavior in various environments.
- Direct measurement of these forces has been challenging, limiting accurate modeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To directly measure the cohesive force of cyclopentane clathrate hydrate particles.
- To quantify the adhesive force between hydrate particles and steel surfaces.
- To develop and validate a hydrate interparticle force model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a micromechanical force apparatus for direct force measurements.
- Investigated the influence of contact time, contact force, and temperature on cohesive and adhesive forces.
- Developed an interparticle force model incorporating capillary and sintering contributions.
Main Results:
- Estimated the tensile strength of cyclopentane hydrate to be approximately 0.91 MPa.
- Measured the hydrate cohesive force in the gas phase at 3 °C as 9.1 ± 2.1 mN/m.
- Measured the hydrate cohesive force in liquid cyclopentane at 3 °C as 4.3 ± 0.4 mN/m.
Conclusions:
- The developed interparticle force model accurately predicts hydrate cohesion.
- Temperature significantly affects hydrate particle cohesion.
- Direct measurements provide crucial data for hydrate stability and flow assurance modeling.
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