Hydrate Storage via Gelator Phase Change for Low-Energy Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transporting natural gas hydrates are inefficient due to the need for low-temperature storage, which consumes a lot of energy and increases transportation costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation of hydrates at low temperatures (273.65-283.15 K) followed by storage and transportation at higher temperatures (up to 298.15 K), eliminating the need for refrigeration during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If low-temperature storage is used to maintain hydrate stability, then hydrate stability is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage temperature parameter from conventional low-temperature (below 0°C) to high-temperature (above 0°C, preferably above 10°C) storage. This parameter change allows hydrate stability to be maintained without requiring extensive refrigeration energy, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a gelator substance that replicates the stabilizing function of low-temperature conditions. The gelator forms a gel structure that confines the hydrate crystals, copying the stabilizing effect of cold temperatures while avoiding the high energy cost of actual refrigeration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If low-temperature storage is used to prevent hydrate decomposition, then hydrate stability is improved, but transportation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage temperature parameter from conventional low-temperature to high-temperature storage. This eliminates the need for refrigeration equipment and energy during transportation, significantly reducing transportation costs while maintaining hydrate stability through the gelator substance.
Solution Approach 2:
The gelator substance provides a stable gel structure that copies the protective function of low-temperature storage without requiring actual cooling. This allows cost-effective transportation while preventing hydrate decomposition through the physical confinement provided by the gel structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If refrigeration equipment is installed to maintain low-temperature storage, then hydrate stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a gelator substance that copies the stabilizing function of refrigeration equipment without requiring the actual equipment. The gelator forms a gel structure that confines hydrate crystals, providing stability without motors, compressors, or cooling systems, thereby eliminating device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of refrigeration (maintaining stability) from the complex refrigeration equipment. By using the gelator substance, the stabilizing function is separated from the mechanical cooling system, eliminating the need for complex devices while maintaining hydrate stability.
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
This approach allows for efficient generation and storage of hydrates with high natural gas storage capacity, reducing energy consumption and transportation costs while maintaining hydrate stability during long-distance transport.
Implementation Method 1
enabling a hydrate generation reaction at a temperature of 273.65-283.15 K
Implementation Method 2
convert natural gas from a gaseous state to a liquid state
Implementation Method 3
heating to a temperature of less than or equal to 298.15 K
Data Source
AI summary
A method for storing and transporting a hydrate with high natural gas storage capacity is provided. The method adopts a mode of generating the hydrate at a low temperature and storing the hydrate at a high temperature, and specifically includes: in a mode that a hydrate reaction tank is used as a transportation tank at the same time, introducing a mixed hydrate reaction liquid into the hydrate reaction tank matched with a transportation vehicle; introducing natural gas; enabling a hydrate generation reaction at a temperature of 273.65-283.15 K; in case of equilibrium of the reaction, heating to a temperature of less than or equal to 298.15 K for storage for long-distance transportation. By adopting the present method, the hydrate with high natural gas storage capacity can be synthesized within a relatively short period of time, and the hydrate can be safely, economically and efficiently transported to a destination.