Gas hydrate concentration measurements on sucrose solutions using a new pilot test rig

A new 750 cm³ pilot test rig based on the “isochoric pressure method” was designed and commissioned for the hydrate measurements to concentrate sucrose solutions. The reactor included an improved agitation system and enabled sampling of the sucrose solutions. The experimental method was validated be performing dissociation measurements for the CO₂ + water system. Gas hydrate kinetic and sampling data were measured for the CO₂ + sucrose solutions at sucrose concentrations between (12–60) ^oBrix, within the temperature range of (274.65–276.15) K and at pressures up to 3.70 MPa. Results showed that sucrose is a kinetic inhibitor. The data were modeled to obtain hydrate formation rate, storage capacity, gas consumption and apparent rate constant. Stage-wise concentration measurements were performed with reactor conditions at 274.65 K, 3.70 MPa and 130 rpm mixer speed with liquid sample withdrawal. A final sucrose product of approximately 60 ^oBrix was obtained.