Clathrate Hydrator Structure for Continuous Crystallization Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for clathrate hydrate crystallization face challenges in achieving continuous production due to inadequate heat and mass transfer rates, leading to low productivity and process instability.
Innovation Solution
A novel method utilizing a hydrator with meso/micro structured network plates and heat exchange plates to enhance interfacial area and heat transfer, allowing continuous crystallization of clathrate hydrates without mechanical stirring, maintaining temperatures and pressures within the thermodynamic stability range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used for clathrate hydrate crystallization, then the process can be simple, but heat and mass transfer rates are inadequate leading to low productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor is divided into multiple stages with different functional zones: a mixing zone for initial contact, a crystallization zone for hydrate formation, and a separation zone for product collection. This segmentation allows optimization of heat and mass transfer in each zone while maintaining overall process stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the crystallization process by forming hydrates in a slurry state within a suspended lattice structure, transitioning from conventional horizontal mixing to vertical crystallization. This dimensional change enhances heat transfer efficiency and maintains process reliability.
2Productivity
If heat transfer is improved to maintain thermodynamic stability, then productivity increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the heat generated during crystallization itself to maintain the thermodynamic stability required for continuous production. The exothermic heat of hydrate formation is utilized to sustain the temperature profile needed for ongoing crystallization, reducing external energy input requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the phase transition from gas to solid hydrate crystals, utilizing the latent heat released during this transition to maintain process temperature. This phase change mechanism provides self-regulating thermal management that supports continuous production without proportionally increasing energy consumption.
3Productivity
If mechanical stirring is used to enhance mixing, then mass transfer improves, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical stirring systems with a flow-driven mixing approach where the relative motion between gas and liquid streams, combined with the lattice structure geometry, creates sufficient mixing and mass transfer without mechanical agitators. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic and hydraulic principles by utilizing the flow dynamics of gas and liquid streams to create mixing and mass transfer. The interaction between flowing phases, guided by the lattice structure, achieves effective mixing without mechanical intervention, reducing device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enables efficient and stable continuous production of clathrate hydrates with high productivity, reducing energy consumption and enabling applications such as CO2 storage, transportation, gas separation, and water desalination.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchange plates to enhance interfacial area and heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
enhance interfacial area and heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
The amount of heat released during the hydration process usually range from 50 kJ·mol−1 to 120 kJ·mol−1
Implementation Method 4
continuous crystallization of clathrate hydrates
Implementation Method 5
Nuclei nucleation can be spontaneous, often due to strong molecule interactions and shocks induced by strong agitation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a novel improved method for continuous crystallization of highly crystalline clathrate hydrates. The novel improved method utilizes a novel hydrator capable of overcoming heat and mass transfer limitations that usually constrain crystallization rate and thus reduces process productivity. The disclosed method and hydrator are for production of crystalline clathrates in general, CO2 capture, capture of other clathrate forming compounds, CO2 storage and transportation, storage and transportation of any clathrate forming compound in a solid lattice, gas separation or water desalination or purification purposes.