Effects of sorbitan monooleate on the interactions between cyclopentane hydrate particles and water droplets

Abstract

The effects of a typical anti-agglomerant, sorbitan monooleate (Span80), on the interactions between cyclopentane (CyC5) hydrate particles and water droplets were investigated using a micromechanical force (MMF) apparatus. The concentration of Span80 in CyC5 was ranged from 0.01 wt% to 1 wt%, and the experimental temperature was set at 1.5°C and 7°C, respectively. The results indicate that the absorption of Span80 on the droplet surface can render the interfaces more stable, preventing hydrate agglomeration. When the preload/contact force exceeds the strength of the interface (< ∼ 10 µN), the droplet ruptures, and the subcooling influences the interaction behavior significantly. At the lower temperature (1.5°C), the water droplet can spontaneously spread over the whole hydrate particle due to the significant reduction in water–CyC5 interfacial tension, and the water converts into hydrate rapidly. In this case, Span80 actually accelerates the agglomeration process and grants much shorter time to allow the external force to separate the water droplet and hydrate particle. At the higher temperature (7°C), the capillary bridge dominates the interaction behavior. The addition of Span80 reduced the capillary force through reducing the water–CyC5 interfacial tension. The measurements and observations in the present work can provide new insights into the mechanism of Span80 on inhibiting hydrate agglomeration.