High pressure rheometer for in situ formation and characterization of methane hydrates

We present a novel setup for a high pressure rheometer operating with concentric cylinders geometry for in situ studies of hydrate formation and rheological characterization. The apparatus uses an external high pressure mixing cell to saturate water-in-oil emulsions with methane gas. The capability of mixing combined with a true rheometer design make this apparatus unique in terms of setup and sample formation. We have used the apparatus to form gas hydrates in situ from water-in-oil emulsions and characterize suspension rheological properties such as yield stress and shear-thinning behavior.