Hydrate Formation during Pressure Release of Wet CO2,View‐Cell Observations

The objective of this work is the evaluation of the blocking risk of pipelines by hydrate crystals in processing steps. Two topics were investigated: (I) hydrate formation during pressure release and isochore cooling and (II) the influence of a contact surface on hydrate formation. The investigated materials were steel, glass, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Experiments were carried out in a 87 mL view‐cell to observe hydrate formation in the bulk CO₂ phase, since crystals of that size can cause the problems mentioned. The starting conditions of all experiments were within the temperature range of T = 278–285 K and the pressure range of p = 6–20 MPa. The results of the experiments suggest that the major criterion for hydrate formation during pressure release is the degree of supersaturation. Visible hydrate formation can be observed at a minimum subcooling of ΔT = 7 K. With a starting temperature of T = 285 K and a starting pressure of p = 6 MPa no hydrate formation is observed. The surface properties of the material have no direct influence on the hydrate formation process. However, during pressure release hydrate crystals detach from hydrophobic materials like PTFE, whereas they stick to hydrophilic materials like glass and steel. Thus, the adhesion between hydrate crystals and hydrophilic surfaces is stronger than between hydrate crystals and hydrophobic surfaces.