Effect of surface curvature and wettability on nucleation of methane hydrate. Issue 10 (26th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Mengyang; Fan, Shuanshi; Wang, Yanhong; Lang, Xuemei; Li, Gang; Wang, Shenglong; Yu, Chi
• Is Part Of: AIChE journal. Volume 68:Issue 10(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-07-26
• Subjects: Gibbs function analysis -- methane hydrate -- nucleation theory -- surface curvature -- wettability; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; Génie chimique -- Périodiques; 660.28
• DOI: 10.1002/aic.17823
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-1541

Abstract

Abstract: Natural gas hydrate nucleation is a complex physical and chemical process that is not well understood presently. In this article, an improved thermodynamic model is proposed to analyze the effects of surface curvature and wettability on methane hydrate nucleation for the first time. The results indicate that methane hydrate nucleation is more difficult on hydrophilic curvature surfaces under the same conditions, with a larger critical nucleation radius and required energy barrier than on hydrophobic surfaces. Furthermore, a convex surface is more favorable for forming methane hydrate under the same conditions than a concave surface. The model's results are critical in elucidating the microscopic mechanism of methane hydrate nucleation and providing a theoretical foundation for developing technologies for strengthening and inhibiting hydrate formation.