Effect of organic phase change material and surfactant on HCFC141b hydrate nucleation in quiescent conditions. (31st December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhou, Linchen; Sun, Zhigao; Lu, Ling; Li, Juan; Li, Cuimin; Huang, Haifeng
• Is Part Of: Chemical engineering science. Volume 228(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12-31
• Subjects: Hydrate -- Hydrophobic -- PCM -- Surfactant -- Nucleation -- Crystal morphology; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; Génie chimique -- Périodiques; Chemical engineering; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 660
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2020.115976
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-2509

Abstract

Highlights: Organic phase change materials promote hydrate nucleation. Hydrate nucleates quickly in presence of phase change materials and Tween80 or Span80. Phase change materials reduce the scatter of the induction time of hydrate formation. The hydrophobic CA–DE droplets provide hydrate nucleation sites. Abstract: The effects of organic phase change material (PCM) and surfactant on HCFC141b hydrate nucleation are investigated under quiescent conditions. The surfactants Tween80 and Span80 are chosen as emulsifiers, and the mixture of PCM n -decanoic acid (CA) and dodecyl alcohol (DE) is used as promoter. The emulsion of HCFC141b + CA–DE (the mass ratio of CA to DE is 1:1) + Tween80 or Span80 + H2 O is prepared, where CA–DE is dispersed in water and HCFC141b is dissolved into CA–DE. The hydrophobic CA–DE droplets create an increased local HCFC141b concentration, and organize the surrounding water into a clathrate-like structure. Additives of 1 wt% CA–DE and 1 wt% Tween80 have the best promotion effect on the nucleation of HCFC141b hydrate. The nucleation of HCFC141b hydrate has a stochastic nature and the additives (CA–DE, Tween80 and Span80) reduce the scatter of the induction time of HCFC141b hydrate formation.