Project Info

Investigation of Functionalized Nanoparticles as Effective Gas Hydrate Anti-Agglomerants

Ning Wu | ningwu@mines.edu

Gas hydrates are inclusion compounds formed by the hydrogen-bonding of water to trap gas at elevated pressures and low temperatures. Their formation is a major concern in hydrocarbon (oil and gas) production, as their accumulation and agglomeration in flowlines can cause severe operational and economic losses. One hydrate management strategy adopted by industry is the use of chemicals (anti-agglomerants, AA) to produce hydrate slurry flow. One of the concerns in the use of AA, which are typically based on quaternary ammonium salt chemistry, is their toxicity and environmental impact. Our project investigates functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as a new class of AA. The advantages of nanoparticles are that they can be easily functionalized to have the proper anti-agglomerant properties and conveniently recycled and reused, due to their strong magnetic response. To fundamentally understand functionalized nanoparticles as AA, we will (1) synthesize and characterize functionalized Janus magnetic nanoparticles; (2) measure the impact of nanoparticles on the stabilization of emulsions and cyclopentane hydrate formation/dissociation; and (3) test the magnetic nanoparticles as effective and reusable AA for gas hydrates. Our preliminary studies have demonstrated that surface-modified magnetic nanoparticles are able to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions before, during, and after ice crystallization and the adhesion between particle-laden ice crystals is minimal. These results give strong support and motivation for their use as gas hydrate AA. This project brings the innovation in nanoscience to the field of gas hydrates to address a very practical and important problem in the petroleum industry.

More Information

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2016.06.042

http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ef5009133

Grand Engineering: –