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E.
Dendy Sloan, Jr.
Weaver Distinguished Professor
BS,
MS, PhD Clemson University
Post doctoral study Rice University
Natural gas hydrates; phase equilibrium; thermophysical properties: pedagogical
methods
Research
Description
Much of the natural gas supplies in the world will be found in offshore
and permafrost environments such as the North Sea, the Arctic Oceans,
Siberia, and the deep-water (3000 to 10,000 ft) Gulf of Mexico. The efficient
exploration, production, and processing of that gas will involve high-pressure
phase equilibrium data which are not currently available.
Since deep-water and permafrost temperatures are very cold, it is vital to have phase equilibria and kinetics knowledge of solids such as ice and natural gas hydrates. These crystalline solids tend to plug flow channels and produce severe hindrances to deep-water gas recovery.
We have recently discovered that there is a tremendous quantity of biogenic natural gas which has been concentrated in hydrates through decomposition of oceanic plant and animal matter. The total carbon available as conventional energy in the carbon cycle is about 5 E 15 kilograms; there is twice as much energy available from hydrated gas reserves. New technology will be required to recover it, however, because one of the primary gases encapsulated is methane (a greenhouse gas). The large natural masses of hydrate have caused environmental concern as well.
We have established a Center for Research on Hydrates and Other Solids which comprises an interdisciplinary team of about 20 persons, including Professor Christiansen of Petroleum Engineering, Professor Wada of Physics, Professors Harrison, Wendlandt, and Curtis of Geology, and Dr. Burruss and Mr. Collet of the U.S. Geological Survey.
Three areas of current interest are:
Time-dependent
(Kinetic) Hydrate Studies
In this work we seek an answer to the question "How do hydrates form?"
to supplement the earlier question 'What are the hydrates?" By learning
how hydrates form, we are generating a new type of kinetic hydrate inhibitor
which effectively prevents hydrates from growing to a crystal mass which
can plug a flow channel. We have a consortium of 12 industrial companies
which have funded this work for several years; these companies are currently
field testing the chemicals we generate. The Gas Research Institute-and
the Gas Processors Association have funded more fundamental research studies
in kinetics.
Hydrate
Analogs to Carbon Buckyballs
The clusters in our hydrate cavities are geometrically analogous to the
carbon clusters cafled-"buckyballs' after Buckminster Fullerenes. The
carbon chemistry investigations have been more extensive and demonstrate
the possibility of other. as-yet-undiscovered hydrate cavities and structures.
This work and the research below are funded by the National Science Foundation.
Structure
H Hydrates
One of the newest hydrate structures, these compounds form using large
molecules, such as components of diamondoids. gasoline, and napthalene,
which move hydrates from the gas industry into the domain of concern
of the petroleum industry. We measured the phase equilibria of these
compounds
and believe they will play a large role in future petroleum processes
and separations.
Click here (32MB) for one minute with Professor Sloan (requires)
Contact
Information
E.
Dendy Sloan, Jr.
426 Alderson Hall
Chemical Engineering Department
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO 80401
Office: (303) 273-3723
FAX: (303) 273-3730
esloan@mines.edu
