Project Info

Hydrate crystal formation investigations

Hydrate crystal formation kinetics and mechanisms are important in all energy applications of hydrates, including storage, separation, desalination, yet are not well understood. The goals of this project are to: (1) Determine the hydrate crystal formation kinetics for hydrocarbon/aqueous systems; (2) Assess the effect of surface active molecules on the crystal formation kinetics and morphology. These studies will be conducted using a rocking reactor cell that is equipped with pressure and temperature sensors and visual optical ports. As hydrate crystal formation is an exothermic process, there will be a significant increase in temperature when hydrate nucleation and growth occur. In addition, the amount of hydrate crystals formed can be monitored by a pressure decrease as the hydrocarbon guest (gas) is consumed. Further confirmation of hydrate crystal growth and morphological changes will be obtained from video imaging.

Grand Challenge: Provide access to clean water

More Information

C.A. Koh et al., “Fundamentals and applications of gas hydrates.” Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 2011, Volume 2, pp. 237-257.

Z.M. Aman, C.A. Koh. “Interfacial phenomena in gas hydrate systems.” Chemical Society Reviews, 2016, Volume 45, no. 6, pp. 1678-1690.

Student Preparation

Qualifications

The student should have a sound knowledge of thermodynamics and kinetics.

Time Commitment

20 hours/month or more

Skills/Techniques Gained

The student will gain skills in hydrate synthesis, process monitoring (Labview), and how fundamental thermodynamics and kinetics knowledge can be applied to research with implications to real world applications.

Mentoring Plan

I will be mentoring the student by meeting, advising, and discussing regularly the research plans and results and analyses. Training on the laboratory instruments and methods will be performed under the guidance of my graduate student and I will oversee and help to plan these training sessions.