Frustrated Gas Hydrate Frameworks in the Model of Strong and Weak Hydrogen Bonds

The topological model of strong and weak H-bonds suggested previously was used for structure investigation of the ground energy state of the proton subsystem of gas hydrate frameworks. It is shown that gas hydrate frameworks are frustrated systems, that is, configurations consisting of exclusively strong H-bonds may not exist in view of combinatorial and topological constraints. Rough estimates were obtained for the maximal and minimal fractions of strong H-bonds (65 and 6%, respectively).     

Electric Double‐Layer Capacitor Based on an Ionic Clathrate Hydrate

Herein, we suggest a new approach to an electric double‐layer capacitor (EDLC) that is based on a proton‐conducting ionic clathrate hydrate (ICH). The ice‐like structures of clathrate hydrates, which are comprised of host water molecules and guest ions, make them suitable for applications in EDLC electrolytes, owing to their high proton conductivities and thermal stabilities. The carbon materials in the ICH Me₄NOH ? 5 H₂O show a high specific capacitance, reversible charge–discharge behavior, and a long cycle life. The ionic‐hydrate complex provides the following advantages in comparison with conventional aqueous and polymer electrolytes: 1) The ICH does not cause leakage problems under normal EDLC operating conditions. 2) The hydrate material can be utilized itself, without requiring any pre‐treatments or activation for proton conduction, thus shortening the preparation procedure of the EDLC. 3) The crystallization of the ICH makes it possible to tailor practical EDLC dimensions because of its fluidity as a liquid hydrate. 4) The hydrate solid electrolyte exhibits more‐favorable electrochemical stability than aqueous and polymer electrolytes. Therefore, ICH materials are expected to find practical applications in versatile energy devices that incorporate electrochemical systems.     

多孔介质中气体水合物降压分解的分形理论研究

通过将水合物的分解过程看作是无固态产物层生成的气固反应过程, 结合粒径缩小的收缩核反应模型和分形理论, 建立了多孔介质中水合物降压分解的分数维动力学模型, 提出了基于水合物分解实验数据计算多孔介质分形维数的方法. 分别利用前人的甲烷水合物和CO2水合物降压分解实验数据, 对上述分数维动力学模型进行了验证. 计算结果表明, 用提出的方法所计算得到的多孔介质分形维数与前人的测定结果基本符合; 对甲烷水合物和CO2水合物的降压分解过程, 提出的分数维动力学分解模型得出了和实验结果基本一致的预测, 绝对平均误差(AAD)小于10%.     

Detecting gas hydrate behavior in crude oil using NMR

Because of the associated experimental difficulties, natural gas hydrate behavior in black oil is poorly understood despite its grave importance in deep-water flow assurance. Since the hydrate cannot be visually observed in black oil, traditional methods often rely on gas pressure changes to monitor hydrate formation and dissociation. Because gases have to diffuse through the liquid phase for hydrate behavior to create pressure responses, the complication of gas mass transfer is involved and hydrate behavior is only indirectly observed. This pressure monitoring technique encounters difficulties when the oil phase is too viscous, the amount of water is too small, or the gas phase is absent. In this work we employ proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to observe directly the liquid-to-solid conversion of the water component in black oil emulsions. The technique relies on two facts. The first, well-known, is that water becomes essentially invisible to liquid state NMR as it becomes immobile, as in hydrate or ice formation. The second, our recent finding, is that in high magnetic fields of sufficient homogeneity, it is possible to distinguish water from black oil spectrally by their chemical shifts. By following changes in the area of the water peak, the process of hydrate conversion can be measured, and, at lower temperatures, the formation of ice. Taking only seconds to accomplish, this measurement is nearly direct in contrast to conventional techniques that measure the pressure changes of the whole system and assume these changes represent formation or dissociation of hydrates - rather than simply changes in solubility. This new technique clearly can provide accurate hydrate thermodynamic data in black oils. Because the technique measures the total mobile water with rapidity, extensions should prove valuable in studying the dynamics of phase transitions in emulsions.     

Conformational Concept of Proton Ordering in Aqueous Systems

This paper summarizes the results of structure investigations of the energetically optimal configurations of regular aqueous systems obtained by using the model of strong and weak hydrogen bonds suggested previously. All structures under analysis are characterized by noncrystalline ordering of the proton subsystem. The conformational concept of proton ordering in aqueous systems is suggested based on the model of strong and weak H-bonds. This concept reflects a certain level of organization of any system consisting of water molecules, being a unified approach to rationalization of a wide range of phenomena.     

High-pressure clathrate hydrate of acetone

X-ray diffraction study of quenched sample of acetone clathrate hydrate synthesized at 0.8 GPa was carried out. It was shown that the host frameworks of the hydrate comprise uniform cavities which are similar to that of recently characterized structure of high-pressure tetrahydrofurane hydrate. The unique peculiarity of investigated hydrate is decrease in the crystallographic symmetry of the hydrate arising from ordering in guest subsystem.     

A statistical method for assessment of the existing correlations of hydrate forming conditions

Hydrate formation in the oil and gas industries has been a serious problem for a long time. It may cause many difficulties for instance in gas pipelines blockages. In order to determine the hydrate forming condition, gas gravity method has been used. Several correlations have been proposed based on gas gravity method. Checking the accuracy of the applied correlations is important. In this paper, the leverage approach is used for this purpose. Leverage approach is a statistical method for detection outliers which identifies the applicability domain(AD) of hydrate data predicting correlations and the quality of the existing data. Moreover, the Williams plot is sketched, which is a graphical depiction for determination of the doubtful points. The obtained results showed the existing correlations are all statistically correct and valid to predict hydrate formation temperature, just one data point is out of the applicability domains, and none of the experimental data can be chosen as outliers.     

Pressurized laboratory experiments show no stable carbon isotope fractionation of methane during gas hydrate dissolution and dissociation

The stable carbon isotopic ratio of methane (δ(13)C-CH(4)) recovered from marine sediments containing gas hydrate is often used to infer the gas source and associated microbial processes. This is a powerful approach because of distinct isotopic fractionation patterns associated with methane production by biogenic and thermogenic pathways and microbial oxidation. However, isotope fractionations due to physical processes, such as hydrate dissolution, have not been fully evaluated. We have conducted experiments to determine if hydrate dissolution or dissociation (two distinct physical processes) results in isotopic fractionation. In a pressure chamber, hydrate was formed from a methane gas source at 2.5 MPa and 4 °C, well within the hydrate stability field. Following formation, the methane source was removed while maintaining the hydrate at the same pressure and temperature which stimulated hydrate dissolution. Over the duration of two dissolution experiments (each ~20-30 days), water and headspace samples were periodically collected and measured for methane concentrations and δ(13)C-CH(4) while the hydrate dissolved. For both experiments, the methane concentrations in the pressure chamber water and headspace increased over time, indicating that the hydrate was dissolving, but the δ(13)C-CH(4) values showed no significant trend and remained constant, within 0.5‰. This lack of isotope change over time indicates that there is no fractionation during hydrate dissolution. We also investigated previous findings that little isotopic fractionation occurs when the gas hydrate dissociates into gas bubbles and water due to the release of pressure. Over a 2.5 MPa pressure drop, the difference in the δ(13)C-CH(4) was <0.3‰. We have therefore confirmed that there is no isotope fractionation when the gas hydrate dissociates and demonstrated that there is no fractionation when the hydrate dissolves. Therefore, measured δ(13)C-CH(4) values near gas hydrates are not affected by physical processes, and can thus be interpreted to result from either the gas source or associated microbial processes.     

Topological Limitations for Spheroidal Nanostructures of Gas Hydrate Cages

A set of local topological balance equations is derived to define the admissible combinations of gas hydrate cages forming monolayer coverings around a certain void. All integer solutions of the set, which are the topological indices of the coverings, are given. For void distribution in a spherical layer, we have formulated the problem on the coloring of inner-void edges. Examples of coverings are considered.     

Modeling heating curve for gas hydrate dissociation in porous media

A method for modeling the heating curve for gas hydrate dissociation in porous media at isochoric conditions (constant cell volume) is presented. This method consists of using an equation of state of the gas, the cumulative volume distribution (CVD) of the porous medium, and a van der Waals-Platteeuw-type thermodynamic model that includes a capillary term. The proposed method was tested to predict the heating curves for methane hydrate dissociation in a mesoporous silica glass for saturated conditions (liquid volume = pore volume) and for a fractional conversion of water to hydrate of 1 (100% of the available water was converted to hydrate). The shape factor (F) of the hydrate-water interface was found equal to 1, supporting a cylindrical shape for the hydrate particles during hydrate dissociation. Using F = 1, it has been possible to predict the heating curve for different ranges of pressure and temperature. The excellent agreement between the calculated and experimental heating curves supports the validity of our approach.     

Hydrate-phobic surfaces: fundamental studies in clathrate hydrate adhesion reduction

Clathrate hydrate formation and subsequent plugging of deep-sea oil and gas pipelines represent a significant bottleneck for deep-sea oil and gas operations. Current methods for hydrate mitigation are expensive and energy intensive, comprising chemical, thermal, or flow management techniques. In this paper, we present an alternate approach of using functionalized coatings to reduce hydrate adhesion to surfaces, ideally to a low enough level that hydrodynamic shear stresses can detach deposits and prevent plug formation. Systematic and quantitative studies of hydrate adhesion on smooth substrates with varying solid surface energies reveal a linear trend between hydrate adhesion strength and the practical work of adhesion (γ(total)[1 + cos?θ(rec)]) of a suitable probe liquid, that is, one with similar surface energy properties to those of the hydrate. A reduction in hydrate adhesion strength by more than a factor of four when compared to bare steel is achieved on surfaces characterized by low Lewis acid, Lewis base, and van der Waals contributions to surface free energy such that the practical work of adhesion is minimized. These fundamental studies provide a framework for the development of hydrate-phobic surfaces, and could lead to passive enhancement of flow assurance and prevention of blockages in deep-sea oil and gas operations.     

Atlas of Optimal Proton Configurations of Water Clusters in the Form of Gas Hydrate Cavities

All nonisomorphic proton configurations of water clusters in the form of gas hydrate cavities that are most stable in the number of strong hydrogen bonds corresponding to trans conformations have been found. The symmetry of these configurations is analyzed with allowance for the antisymmetry peration changing the directions of all Hbonds. The proton configurations of a cluster shaped like a pentagonal dodecahedron are considered in more detail.     

Communication: quantitative Fourier-transform infrared data for competitive loading of small cages during all-vapor instantaneous formation of gas-hydrate aerosols

A simple method has been developed for the measurement of high quality FTIR spectra of aerosols of gas-hydrate nanoparticles. The application of this method enables quantitative observation of gas hydrates that form on subsecond timescales using our all-vapor approach that includes an ether catalyst rather than high pressures to promote hydrate formation. The sampling method is versatile allowing routine studies at temperatures ranging from 120 to 210 K of either a single gas or the competitive uptake of different gas molecules in small cages of the hydrates. The present study emphasizes hydrate aerosols formed by pulsing vapor mixtures into a cold chamber held at 160 or 180 K. We emphasize aerosol spectra from 6 scans recorded an average of 8 s after "instantaneous" hydrate formation as well as of the gas hydrates as they evolve with time. Quantitative aerosol data are reported and analyzed for single small-cage guests and for mixed hydrates of CO(2), CH(4), C(2)H(2), N(2)O, N(2), and air. The approach, combined with the instant formation of gas hydrates from vapors only, offers promise with respect to optimization of methods for the formation and control of gas hydrates.     

Molecular-dynamics simulations of methane hydrate dissociation

Nonequilibrium molecular-dynamics simulations have been carried out at 276.65 K and 68 bar for the dissolution of spherical methane hydrate crystallites surrounded by a liquid phase. The liquid was composed of pure water or a water-methane mixture ranging in methane composition from 50% to 100% of the corresponding theoretical maximum for the hydrate and ranged in size from about 1600 to 2200 water molecules. Four different crystallites ranging in size from 115 to 230 water molecules were used in the two-phase systems; the nanocrystals were either empty or had a methane occupation from 80% to 100% of the theoretical maximum. The crystal-liquid systems were prepared in two distinct ways, involving constrained melting of a bulk hydrate system or implantation of the crystallite into a separate liquid phase. The breakup rates were very similar for the four different crystal sizes investigated. The method of system preparation was not found to affect the eventual dissociation rates, despite a lag time of approximately 70 ps associated with relaxation of the liquid interfacial layer in the constrained melting approach. The dissolution rates were not affected substantially by methane occupation of the hydrate phase in the 80%-100% range. In contrast, empty hydrate clusters were found to break up significantly more quickly. Our simulations indicate that the diffusion of methane molecules to the surrounding liquid layer from the crystal surface appears to be the rate-controlling step in hydrate breakup. Increasing the size of the liquid phase was found to reduce the initial delay in breakup. We have compared breakup rates computed using different long-range electrostatic methods. Use of the Ewald, minimum image, and spherical cut-off techniques led to more rapid dissociation relative to the Lekner method.     

Influence of Gas Supply Changes on the Formation Process of Complex Mixed Gas Hydrates

Natural gas hydrate occurrences contain predominantly methane; however, there are increasing reports of complex mixed gas hydrates and coexisting hydrate phases. Changes in the feed gas composition due to the preferred incorporation of certain components into the hydrate phase and an inadequate gas supply is often assumed to be the cause of coexisting hydrate phases. This could also be the case for the gas hydrate system in Qilian Mountain permafrost (QMP), which is mainly controlled by pores and fractures with complex gas compositions. This study is dedicated to the experimental investigations on the formation process of mixed gas hydrates based on the reservoir conditions in QMP. Hydrates were synthesized from water and a gas mixture under different gas supply conditions to study the effects on the hydrate formation process. In situ Raman spectroscopic measurements and microscopic observations were applied to record changes in both gas and hydrate phase over the whole formation process. The results demonstrated the effects of gas flow on the composition of the resulting hydrate phase, indicating a competitive enclathration of guest molecules into the hydrate lattice depending on their properties. Another observation was that despite significant changes in the gas composition, no coexisting hydrate phases were formed.     

Hydrate film growth at the interface between gaseous CO_2 and sodium chloride solution

Greenhouse gas CO2 has become a serious problem for human beings. The hydrate technology has been considered as a possible approach to sequester CO2. In this work, the lateral growth rates of a CO2 hydrate film in aqueous NaCl solutions of different concentrations were measured by means of suspending a single gas bubble in liquid. The results show that the film growth rates depended on not only the driving force, but also the NaCl concentration, and the film growth rates decreased with the increasing NaCl c...     

Stabilization of methane hydrate by pressurization with He or N2 gas

The behavior of methane hydrate was investigated after it was pressurized with helium or nitrogen gas in a test system by monitoring the gas compositions. The results obtained indicate that even when the partial pressure of methane gas in such a system is lower than the equilibrium pressure at a certain temperature, the dissociation rate of methane hydrate is greatly depressed by pressurization with helium or nitrogen gas. This phenomenon is only observed when the total pressure of methane and helium (or nitrogen) gas in the system is greater than the equilibrium pressure required to stabilize methane hydrate with just methane gas. The following model has been proposed to explain the observed phenomenon: (1) Gas bubbles develop at the hydrate surface during hydrate dissociation, and there is a pressure balance between the methane gas inside the gas bubbles and the external pressurizing gas (methane and helium or nitrogen), as transmitted through the water film; as a result the methane gas in the gas bubbles stabilizes the hydrate surface covered with bubbles when the total gas pressure is greater than the equilibrium pressure of the methane hydrate at that temperature; this situation persists until the gas in the bubbles becomes sufficiently dilute in methane or until the surface becomes bubble-free. (2) In case of direct contact of methane hydrate with water, the water surrounding the hydrate is supersaturated with methane released upon hydrate dissociation; consequently, methane hydrate is stabilized when the hydrostatic pressure is above the equilibrium pressure of methane hydrate at a certain temperature, again until the dissolved gas at the surface becomes sufficiently dilute in methane. In essence, the phenomenon is due to the presence of a nonequilibrium state where there is a chemical potential gradient from the solid hydrate particles to the bulk solution that exists as long as solid hydrate remains.     

Proton dynamics in the perchloric acid clathrate hydrate HClO4.5.5H2O

In the perchloric acid clathrate hydrate HClO4.5.5H2O, the perchlorate anions are contained inside an aqueous host crystalline matrix, positively charged because of the presence of delocalized acidic protons. Our experimental results demonstrate that the microscopic mechanisms of proton conductivity in this system are effective on a time scale ranging from nanosecond to picosecond. In the present paper, we discuss more specifically on the relaxation processes occurring on a nanosecond time scale by combining high-resolution quasielastic neutron scattering and 1H pulse-field-gradient nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. The combination of these two techniques allows us to probe proton dynamics in both space and time domains. The existence of two types of proton dynamical processes has been identified. The slowest one is associated to long-range translational diffusion of protons between crystallographic oxygen sites and has been precisely characterized with a self-diffusion coefficient of 3.5 x 10(-8) cm2/s at 220 K and an activation energy of 29.2+/-1.4 kJ/mol. The fastest dynamical process is due to water molecules' reorientations occurring every 0.7 ns at 220 K with an activation energy of 17.4+/-1.5 kJ/mol. This powerful multitechnique approach provides important information required to understand the microscopic origin of proton transport in an ionic clathrate hydrate.     

新型两亲性聚酰胺的合成及性质

为了设计天然气水合物抑制剂和了解作用机理提供依据,分析两亲性聚酰胺与水相互作用的特征与本质,本文合成了新型水溶性高分子聚柠檬酰丙二胺,在此基础上合成了一种含环己基基团的两亲性聚柠檬酰丙二胺。通过核磁共振波谱、凝胶渗透色谱和示差扫描量热法对产物的结构和性能进行了表征。研究表明,改性的聚柠檬酰胺能形成不可冰冻束缚水,而且比传统的天然气水合物抑制剂聚(N-乙烯基己内酰胺)和聚维酮形成的不可冰冻束缚水多1倍。改性后聚合物中水的比热容增加约36%。聚合物和水之间产生的疏水相互作用,可将水分子更紧密地束缚在聚合物中。改性后的聚合物的疏水性强,造成了水分子彼此紧密束缚程度提高,为不可冰冻束缚水含量的增加提供了必要的环境。     

The Raman spectra of the KOH-doped ice polymorphs: V and VI

The effect on the Raman spectra of the proton ordering induced by KOH in the high pressure phases of ice, ice V and VI has been studied. Our previous Raman studies of ice V and ice VI (ref.1) showed spectroscopic evidence of partial proton ordering at low temperatures (below about 130 K) in ice V and a possible phase change in ice VI. These conclusions were made on the measurements of the lattice vibration region. The present results, based on the observation of the bands due to the uncoupled O-D stretching vibrations of KOH-doped ice V and, in particular, ice VI, show that some kind of proton ordering or partial proton ordering may be induced by the presence of KOH dopant in these two ices.A Lorentzian curve fit has been used to separate the main band from the side bands in the relatively complex structured band due to the uncoupled O-D stretching vibration in ice V and ice VI.