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Can Aluminum Cations Promote Nucleation for THF Hydrate Growth?
Randeep Ravesh1, Ayaj A Ansari1, P K Panigrahi1
1Gas Hydrate Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, 208016 Kanpur, India.
Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) significantly accelerates tetrahydrofuran (THF) hydrate nucleation, crucial for cold storage technology. This study confirms AlCl3
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Tetrahydrofuran (THF) hydrate nucleation is vital for cold storage applications.
- Previous research suggested aluminum complexes promote clathrate hydrate nucleation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if aluminum salts, specifically AlCl3, can promote THF hydrate nucleation.
- To evaluate the influence of cation type (charge/radius ratio) using NaCl and MgCl2.
- To understand the nucleation mechanism through pH and Raman spectroscopy.
Main Methods:
- Measuring induction time in a stirred reactor across various subcoolings and AlCl3 concentrations (0.05-2 wt%).
- Comparing salt premixed in solution versus direct injection.
- Analyzing temperature rise as an indicator of hydrate formation.
- Conducting pH and Raman spectroscopy measurements.
Main Results:
- AlCl3 reduced THF hydrate induction time by 92.2% at 0.05 wt% concentration compared to pure water.
- Direct injection of AlCl3 resulted in nearly instantaneous nucleation.
- MgCl2 and NaCl did not exhibit a similar nucleation-promoting effect.
Conclusions:
- Aluminum salts, particularly AlCl3, effectively promote THF hydrate nucleation.
- The cation type plays a significant role in nucleation promotion.
- AlCl3 offers a promising approach for enhancing THF hydrate-based cold storage technologies.
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