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Carolyn
Ann Koh
Associate Professor
BSc
(First Class Hons.), Ph.D. University of W. London, U.K.
Post doctoral study: Cornell University
Experience abroad: Reader, King’s College, University of London,
U.K.
Natural gas hydrates; nucleation, crystallization; neutron diffraction
Research
Description
Natural gas hydrates are crystalline inclusion compounds, which are capable
of hosting small molecules inside the cages of a hydrogen-bonded water
framework. Hydrates of natural gas present a potential hazard to the
oil and gas industries when they form in subsea oil/gas flowlines. On
the other hand, they also have technological importance in energy recovery,
transportation and storage. We have recently demonstrated (Science 2004)
that hydrogen molecules can be stored in binary H2/THF (tetrahydrofuran)
clathrate hydrates at pressures nearly two orders of magnitude lower
than that in pure hydrogen hydrates. This decreased pressure makes binary
clathrate hydrates a potentially feasible hydrogen storage material,
with a unique combination of advantages not found in any other class
of materials.
The ultimate goal of our research is to advance our understanding
of the nucleation, crystallization, and agglomeration mechanisms
for natural
gas hydrates. The results will have immediate relevance to flow assurance
in gas/oil flowlines, and energy transportation and storage. Specifically
we are aiming to (a) develop molecular-scale models of the aqueous
structures which occur in solution immediately prior to and during
the growth of
gas hydrates, (b) investigate the effects of inhibitor and promoter
molecules on these local structures, and, (c) using these data,
identify possible
pathways which may occur in the process of hydrate formation. This
program combines microscopic (vibrational spectroscopy and neutron
diffraction
coupled to computer simulations) and macroscopic measurements (differential
scanning calorimetry) to provide mechanistic information on hydrate
nucleation, growth, and decomposition. The different methods
help assure correct
interpretation of the measurements and provide a solid foundation for
accurate model development.
Honors
and Awards
Young Scientist Award of the British Association for Crystal Growth 2001,
Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) 2001, Visiting Professor of Penn
State University 2002, Visiting Professor of Cornell University 1996-1999
Contact
Information
Carolyn Ann Koh
331 Alderson Hall
Chemical Engineering Department
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO 80401
Office: (303) 273-3237
FAX: (303) 273-3730
ckoh@mines.edu
