Formation of Gas Hydrate using Micro-bubbles: (1) Basic Experiments using Propane

摘要

A new gas hydrate formation method using micro-bubbles with a tubular reactor was developed and experimental data on hydrate formation and conversion rate for propane are presented. The method achieved higher formation rate over conventional systems and was capable of continuous hydrate formation. Experiments also confirmed an extremely high hydrate conversion rate for gas passing through the system. This excellent performance has the following implications for facilities: 1) Substantially larger formation rate with facilities of the same size, 2) Elimination of cooler-equipped high-pressure vessels required in conventional systems because hydrate formation in the new system takes place inside piping, 3) Simpler and more compact facilities, potentially reducing equipment costs.