Clathrate hydrate dissociation point detection and measurement
US6298724A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 27, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 27, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/0256
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and method for detecting the formation and dissociation of gas hydrates in a fluid. The apparatus used comprises a piezoelectric crystal sensor and a signal analyzer. The crystal sensor has a deposition surface in contact with the fluid. Under a range of pressures and or temperatures the resonant frequency or an electrical parameter dependent on the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric sensor is measured. There is a step change in the resonant frequency which occurs upon the formation or dissociation of a clathrate hydrate on the deposition surface, so that the formation or dissociation of said clathrate hydrate may be detected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.