Universal Reactor for In-Situ DSC and Neutron Diffraction of Gas Hydrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are unable to correlate the thermodynamic changing law or phase evolution law during the generation and decomposition of gas hydrates, limiting the understanding of their mechanisms and hindering the development of hydrate-related fields.
Innovation Solution
A reactor and method are developed that are commonly applicable for high-pressure in-situ differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and neutron tests, enabling simultaneous thermodynamic and micro-kinetic studies of gas hydrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a high-pressure hydrate generation device is designed for neutron diffraction test, then micro-kinetic study capability is improved, but adaptability to DSC test is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate both DSC and neutron diffraction tests. The reaction cavity can be configured for different test types, and the pressure loading device can be adapted to work with both DSC and neutron test systems, making a single device capable of performing multiple functions without requiring separate specialized equipment for each test type
Solution Approach 2:
The reactor is divided into modular components including a reaction cavity, pressure loading device, and temperature control system that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the same basic structure to be adapted for different test requirements (DSC or neutron diffraction) by adjusting specific components while maintaining the overall system integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If pressure loading device is embedded in high-pressure in-situ DSC, then DSC test capability is improved, but neutron test capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor incorporates dynamic configuration capabilities where the pressure loading device can be positioned and adjusted according to the specific test requirements. The system allows flexible arrangement of components such that the pressure loading mechanism can be optimized for DSC tests when needed, and reconfigured for neutron diffraction tests, maintaining ease of operation for both test types through standardized interfaces and procedures
3Measurement precision
If Raman point scanning is used for hydrate test, then in-situ process observation is improved, but statistical reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor serves as an intermediary system that enables neutron diffraction measurements to be performed in-situ during hydrate formation and decomposition processes. By providing a controlled environment where the reactor can be configured for neutron testing while maintaining the ability to observe phase changes, the system allows for both precise in-situ observation and statistically reliable measurements through multiple scattering events and averaged signals characteristic of neutron diffraction
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 reactor allows for comprehensive characterization of gas hydrates, enabling the correlation of thermodynamic and micro-kinetic data, which is crucial for elucidating the generation and decomposition mechanisms of gas hydrates and advancing hydrate-related technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the reactor heating jacket is configured to maintain the reactor at a set temperature, so as to carry out a kinetic generation and decomposition experiment of the hydrate
Implementation Method 2
a gas enters the reactor body through the second gas intake pipe, thereby providing a material for generation of the gas hydrate and pressurizing the reactor
Implementation Method 3
a metal thermal insulator is arranged on a pipe between the reactor body and the DSC test end cavity sealing unit; the second gas intake pipe passes through the center of an end face of the metal thermal insulator; a plurality of polyvinyl fluoride thermal insulating sheets are also distributed above the metal thermal insulator
Implementation Method 4
during the neutron test, a neutron stopper is arranged between the two polyvinyl fluoride thermal insulating sheets
Implementation Method 5
a DSC test end cavity sealing unit arranged above the reactor body and provided with a quick connector
Data Source
AI summary
A reactor and method commonly applicable for high-pressure in-situ DSC and neutron tests of a gas hydrate relates to the field of characterization of physical and chemical properties of the gas hydrate. The reactor can not only carry out a high-pressure and low-temperature in-situ DSC test of the hydrate but also be suitable for a neutron diffraction test of the hydrate. The reactor can be adapted to an existing high-pressure and low-temperature in-situ DSC device without the need to re-develop a whole set of system, thus greatly reducing the replacement cost of the device. Owing to the sectional design, the flexibility and the applicability of the reactor can be ensured. Researchers can conveniently transport the hydrate in a pressure-maintaining manner. Even at a long distance, with the assistance of a liquid nitrogen tank or a vehicle-mounted refrigerator, it can be ensured that the hydrate may not be decomposed during transportation.