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A Microfluidic Approach for the Study of Ice and Clathrate Hydrate Crystallization
Published on: August 18, 2022
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Premelting-Induced Agglomeration of Hydrates: Theoretical Analysis and Modeling
Ngoc N Nguyen1,2, Rüdiger Berger1, Hans-Jürgen Butt1,3
1Physics at Interfaces, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, Mainz 55128, Germany.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 4, 2020
Summary
A new model incorporating hydrate surface premelting explains capillary forces, offering insights into hydrate plug formation in oil and gas pipelines and guiding chemical-free prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Hydrate plugging in oil and gas pipelines is a persistent challenge.
- Existing hydrate agglomeration theories fail to account for observed nanometer-range capillary forces.
- Experimental evidence highlights the importance of surface phenomena in hydrate plug formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel model for hydrate agglomeration that incorporates surface premelting.
- To elucidate the role of premelting-induced capillary forces in hydrate plug formation.
- To provide a basis for developing chemical-free methods to prevent hydrate plugging.
Main Methods:
- A new hydrate agglomeration model was developed, treating the premelting layer as a thin liquid film.
- A soft-sphere model was employed to describe hydrate interactions.
- The model calculates premelting-induced capillary forces between hydrate surfaces and other objects.
Main Results:
- The model quantifies adhesive forces between hydrate spheres and surfaces, showing variation based on surface hydrophobicity.
- Calculated forces range from 0.3 mN on hydrophilic surfaces to 0.008 mN on superhydrophobic surfaces.
- Initial contact areas are small but can expand over time due to particle consolidation.
Conclusions:
- The new model successfully explains experimental observations of capillary forces at hydrate surfaces.
- The findings support the development of surface coatings for chemical-free hydrate plug prevention.
- This research offers conceptual guidance for mitigating hydrate issues in industrial applications.
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