Interfacial mechanisms governing cyclopentane clathrate hydrate adhesion/cohesion

• Published in: Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP 2011-01, Vol.13 (44), p.19796-1986
• Main Authors: Aman, Zachary M, Brown, Erika P, Sloan, E. Dendy, Sum, Amadeu K, Koh, Carolyn A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adhesion; Chemistry; Clathrate hydrates; Cohesion; Contact; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Hydrates; Liquids; Mathematical models; Surface physical chemistry; Tensile strength
• ISSN: 1463-9076; 1463-9084
• DOI: 10.1039/c1cp21907c

The present work uses a micromechanical force apparatus to directly measure cyclopentane clathrate hydrate cohesive force and hydrate-steel adhesive force, as a function of contact time, contact force and temperature. We present a hydrate interparticle force model, which includes capillary and sintering contributions and is based on fundamental interparticle force theories. In this process, we estimate the cyclopentane hydrate tensile strength to be approximately 0.91 MPa. This hydrate interparticle force model also predicts the effect of temperature on hydrate particle cohesion force. Finally, we present the first direct measurements of hydrate cohesive force in the gas phase to be 9.1 ± 2.1 mN/m at approximately 3 °C (as opposed to 4.3 ± 0.4 mN/m in liquid cyclopentane). Deionized water droplet (top particle) and an annealed cyclopentane hydrate particle (bottom particle) at 3.2 °C in pure cyclopentane liquid, where hydrate growth takes place along the water-hydrocarbon interface.