Rapid gas hydrate formation process
US8354565B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jan 15, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF17C11/007
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The disclosure provides a method and apparatus for forming gas hydrates from a two-phase mixture of water and a hydrate forming gas. The two-phase mixture is created in a mixing zone which may be wholly included within the body of a spray nozzle. The two-phase mixture is subsequently sprayed into a reaction zone, where the reaction zone is under pressure and temperature conditions suitable for formation of the gas hydrate. The reaction zone pressure is less than the mixing zone pressure so that expansion of the hydrate-forming gas in the mixture provides a degree of cooling by the Joule-Thompson effect and provides more intimate mixing between the water and the hydrate-forming gas. The result of the process is the formation of gas hydrates continuously and with a greatly reduced induction time. An apparatus for conduct of the method is further provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.