Enhanced kinetics of HCFC141b hydrate formation in static conditions
using organic phase change material and surfactant
Abstract
Hydrophobic phase change material and surfactant are investigated as
promoters for hydrate formation. Hydrophobic phase change material is
the mixture of n-decanoic acid (CA) and dodecyl alcohol (DE), and
surfactant is Tween80. Visual observations of the effect of CA-DE and
Tween80 on hydrate crystal growth are conducted. Along the direction of
crystal growth, HCFC141b hydrate growth rates with additives of CA-DE or
CA-DE + Tween80 is almost the same everywhere, while the hydrate crystal
growth rates with additive of Tween80 is different at different sites.
The average rate of hydrate lateral growth with 1 wt% CA-DE is lower
than that with 1 wt% CA-DE and 1 wt% Tween80. Scattered hydrate
crystal plates are observed with the addition of CA-DE. However, only
one big crystal plate was observed with the addition of Tween80 or CA-DE
+ Tween80.