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08:01
A Microfluidic Approach for the Study of Ice and Clathrate Hydrate Crystallization
Published on: August 18, 2022
Hydrate-phobic surfaces: fundamental studies in clathrate hydrate adhesion reduction
J David Smith1, Adam J Meuler, Harrison L Bralower
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|March 24, 2012
Summary
Functionalized coatings significantly reduce clathrate hydrate adhesion to deep-sea oil and gas pipeline surfaces. This innovation offers a passive, cost-effective solution to prevent hydrate plug formation and enhance flow assurance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
Background:
- Clathrate hydrate formation in deep-sea oil and gas pipelines causes significant operational issues.
- Current hydrate mitigation strategies are costly and energy-intensive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate functionalized coatings as an alternative method for hydrate adhesion reduction.
- To develop hydrate-phobic surfaces for improved flow assurance in deep-sea operations.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative studies of hydrate adhesion on substrates with varying surface energies.
- Analysis of the relationship between hydrate adhesion strength and the work of adhesion for probe liquids.
- Characterization of surface free energy contributions (Lewis acid, base, van der Waals).
Main Results:
- A linear correlation was found between hydrate adhesion strength and the practical work of adhesion.
- Hydrate adhesion strength was reduced by over four times on functionalized surfaces compared to bare steel.
- Surfaces with minimized Lewis acid, base, and van der Waals contributions showed the lowest adhesion.
Conclusions:
- Functionalized coatings can effectively minimize hydrate adhesion to pipeline surfaces.
- This approach offers a passive and potentially cost-effective method for preventing hydrate plug formation.
- The findings provide a framework for developing advanced hydrate-phobic surfaces for the oil and gas industry.
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