Natural gas hydrate visualization experimental device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a natural gas hydrate visualization experiment device belongs to energy experiment device technical field, including reaction module and visualization module, reaction module includes the reaction kettle, and the visualization module sets up in the reaction end part of reaction kettle, the outside wall on the reaction kettle middle segment is embedded with multiple transparent cylinders, is used as the observation window of visualization module, reaction module still includes CH4 gas cylinder, CO2 gas cylinder, booster pump, vacuum pump, gas -water separator, gas collecting bottle and constant temperature water bath device, CH4 gas cylinder and CO2 gas cylinder all communicate the input of booster pump, the output of booster pump communicates reaction kettle, and vacuum pump communicates reaction kettle, and the one end of gas -water separator communicates reaction kettle, and the other end communicates gas collecting bottle, and reaction kettle sets up in constant temperature water bath device, and this device simple structure, convenient operation, experimental data accurate, and can be applicable to different experiment and teaching demand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of energy experimental device technology, and more specifically relates to a visualization experimental device for natural gas hydrates. Background Technology

[0002] Natural gas hydrates are cage-like crystalline compounds formed by methane and water molecules under high pressure and low temperature conditions, and are considered the most promising alternative energy source. Natural gas hydrate development involves complex phase transitions, heat transfer, and seepage processes. Accurately capturing the coupling mechanisms of these multiple processes is crucial for breakthroughs in development technologies, and high-pressure visualization experimental devices have become a core research tool for reproducing deep-sea / permafrost reservoir conditions. Existing technologies have significant limitations: mainstream metal reactors rely on indirect imaging or local window observations, making in-situ continuous capture of the development process impossible; insufficient temperature and pressure control precision leads to deviations in the hydrate formation location; sealing structures are prone to failure under cyclic loading, making it difficult to maintain long-term high-pressure conditions; and the devices have limited functionality and fixed structures, making it impossible to expand multi-parameter monitoring capabilities, and disassembly and maintenance are complex and time-consuming. These shortcomings result in insufficient reliability of experimental data, severely restricting research on development mechanisms and optimization of engineering strategies. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a visualization experimental device for natural gas hydrates to overcome the technical bottlenecks in visualization, control accuracy and functional expansion in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A visualization experimental device for natural gas hydrates includes a reaction module and a visualization module. The reaction module includes a reaction vessel, and the visualization module is located at the reaction end of the reaction vessel. Multiple sets of transparent columns are embedded on the outer wall of the middle section of the reaction vessel, serving as observation windows for the visualization module. The reaction module also includes a CH4 gas cylinder, a CO2 gas cylinder, a booster pump, a vacuum pump, a gas-liquid separator, a gas collecting bottle, and a constant temperature water bath. The CH4 gas cylinder and the CO2 gas cylinder are both connected to the input end of the booster pump. The output end of the booster pump is connected to the reaction vessel. The vacuum pump is connected to the reaction vessel. One end of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the reaction vessel, and the other end is connected to the gas collecting bottle. The reaction vessel is placed in the constant temperature water bath.

[0005] Furthermore, a lid is installed at one end of the reactor, and the reactor is sealed to the lid; a viewing window is provided on the top of the other end of the reactor.

[0006] Furthermore, the reaction module also includes a PID controller; the PID controller is electrically connected to the booster pump, vacuum pump, and constant temperature water bath device; the PID controller is also electrically connected to an external computer.

[0007] Furthermore, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor are installed on the inner wall of the reactor; both the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor are electrically connected to a PID controller.

[0008] Furthermore, a CO2 detection device is also installed on the connecting pipe between the reactor and the gas-water separator, and the CO2 detection device is electrically connected to the PID controller.

[0009] Furthermore, the reactor is connected to a pressure relief valve, which is electrically connected to the PID controller.

[0010] Furthermore, the reaction vessel is also connected to a reaction solution storage tank.

[0011] Furthermore, the visualization module is mounted on the outside of the reactor via a bracket; the visualization module includes a high-definition camera and a light source, and multiple sets of the high-definition camera and light source are evenly distributed circumferentially along the axis of the reactor, aligned with the transparent column; the light source is set outside the high-definition camera to form a ring array illumination; both the high-definition camera and the light source are electrically connected to an external computer.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This invention provides a visualization experimental device for natural gas hydrates. A transparent observation window is installed on the reaction vessel, allowing for real-time, comprehensive monitoring and recording of the reaction process within the vessel via a visualization module. By incorporating pressure and temperature sensors connected to a PID controller, the device can regulate the constant-temperature water bath in real-time based on temperature and pressure data, ensuring stable temperature and pressure within the vessel and accurately tracking the set curve. This device features a simple structure, convenient operation, accurate experimental data, and applicability to various experimental and teaching needs. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the reaction vessel of this utility model.

[0016] In the figure: 1-CH4 gas cylinder; 2-CO2 gas cylinder; 3-Reaction solution storage tank; 4-Booster pump; 5-PID controller; 6-Pressure relief valve; 7-Constant temperature water bath device; 8-Reaction vessel; 9-CO2 detection device; 10-Gas-liquid separator; 11-Vacuum pump; 12-Gas collecting bottle; 13-Vessel lid; 14-Transparent column. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0018] Please see the appendix Figure 1-2 This invention provides a visualization experimental device for natural gas hydrates, comprising a reaction module and a visualization module. The reaction module includes a reaction vessel 8, and the visualization module is located at the reaction end of the reaction vessel 8 for acquiring image information, capturing and recording the reaction process within the reaction vessel 8 in real time. The reaction vessel 8 is the core component of the experimental device and is used to conduct reaction experiments.

[0019] The reactor 8 is a cylindrical pressure vessel with an opening at one end and a lid 13 installed by bolts for easy sample loading and maintenance. The reactor 8 and the lid 13 are sealed together by a floating composite sealing ring. A sapphire window is provided on the top of the reactor 8 at the other end for top-view supplementation.

[0020] Multiple sets of transparent columns 14 are embedded on the outer wall of the middle section of the reactor 8; the multiple sets of transparent columns 14 are coaxially arranged with the reactor 8; the transparent columns 14 are made of highly transparent alumina oxynitride ceramic columns, which can withstand large-span changes in temperature and pressure, and not only have good transparency and optical properties, but also have many advantages of structural ceramics. The transparent columns 14 serve as observation windows for the visualization module, achieving metal-free obstruction.

[0021] The reaction module also includes a CH4 cylinder 1, a CO2 cylinder 2, a booster pump 4, a vacuum pump 11, a gas-liquid separator 10, a gas collecting bottle 12, a constant temperature water bath 7, and a PID controller 5. Both the CH4 cylinder 1 and CO2 cylinder 2 are connected to the input end of the booster pump 4 via pipelines. The output end of the booster pump 4 is connected to the reaction vessel 8 via a pipeline. The vacuum pump 11 is connected to the reaction vessel 8 via a pipeline for evacuating the reaction vessel 8. One end of the gas-liquid separator 10 is connected to the reaction vessel 8 via a pipeline, and the other end is connected to the gas collecting bottle 12. The mixed gas after the reaction is separated into liquids by the gas-liquid separator 10 and collected in the gas collecting bottle 12. The reaction vessel 8 is housed in the constant temperature water bath 7. The PID controller 5 is electrically connected to the booster pump 4 and the vacuum pump 11 to control their operation.

[0022] The pipelines of the booster pump 4, vacuum pump 11, and gas-water separator 10 are all sealed to the vessel cover 13 by clamps, flanges, and quick-release structures to ensure pressure resistance and sealing.

[0023] Pressure and temperature sensors are installed on the inner wall of the reaction vessel 8. Both sensors are electrically connected to a PID controller 5 via signal lines through a high-pressure isolation connector on the vessel lid 13, ensuring that temperature and pressure data inside the vessel can be captured and recorded in real time. The PID controller 5 is electrically connected to a constant-temperature water bath 7, and adjusts the water bath 7 based on the temperature and pressure data inside the vessel to ensure stable temperature and pressure and accurate tracking of the set curve. The PID controller 5 is also electrically connected to an external computer, transmitting experimental data to the computer in real time.

[0024] A CO2 detection device 9 is also installed on the connecting pipe between the reactor 8 and the gas-liquid separator 10. The CO2 detection device 9 is electrically connected to the PID controller 5 and is used to detect the concentration of CO2 after the reaction in the reactor 8.

[0025] The reactor 8 is also connected to a pressure relief valve 6 via a pipeline. The pressure relief valve 6 is electrically connected to the PID controller 5 and is used to control the internal pressure of the reactor 8.

[0026] The reaction vessel 8 is also connected to the reaction solution storage tank 3 via a pipeline to export the reaction solution after the reaction.

[0027] The visualization module is mounted on the outside of the reactor 8 via a bracket. The visualization module includes a high-definition camera and a light source. Multiple sets of high-definition cameras and light sources are evenly distributed along the circumference of the reactor 8 axis, aligned with the transparent column 14 on the reactor 8, providing real-time imaging without blind spots. The bracket is a three-dimensional translational sliding rail bracket, located on the periphery of the reactor 8, used to support the high-definition cameras and light sources. The lens of the high-definition camera can be adjusted horizontally and vertically, always aligned with the reactor 8 axis, ensuring a shake-free and blind-spot-free image. The light source is located outside the high-definition camera, forming a ring array illumination. The high-definition camera is electrically connected to an external computer via a high-speed data cable, and the light source is electrically connected to the external computer, transmitting the acquired image data synchronously in real time.

[0028] The working process of this utility model is as follows: Before operation, the gas inside the reactor 8 is extracted by vacuum pump 11, and the constant temperature water bath device 7 is started to pre-cool the reactor 8 to the set temperature; during operation, the booster pump 4 is started to pressurize CH4 and CO2 to the required high pressure and deliver them to the reactor 8, so that the temperature and pressure inside the reactor cross the natural gas hydrate equilibrium curve, inducing crystal nucleation; at the same time, the camera and light source are started to capture the entire process of crystal nucleation, growth, accumulation and decomposition in real time; the data transmitted to the external computer is observed, the PID controller is adjusted in real time to control the operation of each device, and the constant temperature water bath device 7 is regulated by the pressure sensor and temperature sensor inside the reactor to achieve closed-loop fine adjustment of temperature and pressure.

[0029] This invention provides a device suitable for basic research fields that offer an intuitive and controllable experimental platform for understanding the kinetics of natural gas hydrate formation and decomposition, phase equilibrium laws, and thermo-fluid-structure interaction mechanisms. It is also applicable to the development of technologies for rapidly screening and optimizing key parameters of extraction methods such as depressurization, thermal shock, and CO2 replacement at the laboratory scale. Furthermore, it can be applied in various other fields, including engineering verification and teaching training.

[0030] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to in the method section.

[0031] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A visualization experimental device for natural gas hydrates, characterized in that, The system includes a reaction module and a visualization module. The reaction module includes a reaction vessel (8), and the visualization module is located at the reaction end of the reaction vessel (8). Multiple transparent columns (14) are embedded on the outer wall of the middle section of the reaction vessel (8) as observation windows for the visualization module. The reaction module also includes a CH4 gas cylinder (1), a CO2 gas cylinder (2), a booster pump (4), a vacuum pump (11), a gas-liquid separator (10), a gas collecting bottle (12), and a constant temperature water bath device (7). The CH4 gas cylinder (1) and the CO2 gas cylinder (2) are both connected to the input end of the booster pump (4). The output end of the booster pump (4) is connected to the reaction vessel (8). The vacuum pump (11) is connected to the reaction vessel (8). One end of the gas-liquid separator (10) is connected to the reaction vessel (8), and the other end is connected to the gas collecting bottle (12). The reaction vessel (8) is located in the constant temperature water bath device (7).

2. The natural gas hydrate visualization experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by, The reactor (8) is equipped with a lid (13) at one end, and the reactor (8) is sealed to the lid (13); a viewing window is provided on the top of the reactor (8) at the other end.

3. The natural gas hydrate visualization experiment apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by, The reaction module also includes a PID controller (5); the PID controller (5) is electrically connected to the booster pump (4), the vacuum pump (11) and the constant temperature water bath device (7); the PID controller (5) is electrically connected to an external computer.

4. The natural gas hydrate visualization experimental apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by, A pressure sensor and a temperature sensor are installed on the inner wall of the reactor (8); both the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor are electrically connected to the PID controller (5).

5. The natural gas hydrate visualization experimental apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, A CO2 detection device (9) is also installed on the connecting pipe between the reactor (8) and the gas-water separator (10), and the CO2 detection device (9) is electrically connected to the PID controller (5).

6. The natural gas hydrate visualization experimental apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The reactor (8) is connected to the pressure relief valve (6), and the pressure relief valve (6) is electrically connected to the PID controller (5).

7. The natural gas hydrate visualization experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reactor (8) is also connected to the reaction solution storage tank (3).

8. The natural gas hydrate visualization experiment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The visualization module is mounted on the outside of the reactor (8) via a bracket; the visualization module includes a high-definition camera and a light source, and multiple sets of the high-definition camera and the light source are evenly distributed around the axis of the reactor (8) and aligned with the transparent column (14); the light source is set outside the high-definition camera to form a ring array illumination; the high-definition camera and the light source are electrically connected to an external computer.

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