Experimental and modelling studies on the effects of nanofluids (SiO2, Al2O3, and CuO) and surfactants (SDS and CTAB) on CH4 and CO2 clathrate hydrates formation

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) with concentrations of 300 ppm and 500 ppm; cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) with concentrations of 220 ppm and 700 ppm; and water-based nanofluids of SiO2, Al2O3, and CuO with concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt% were used as kinetic promoters in methane hydrate formation process at initial conditions of 274.15 K and 5.5 MPa and carbon dioxide hydrate formation process at initial conditions of 274.15 K and 3 MPa. Englezos and Bishnoi model was utilized for calculating the apparent rate constant of hydrate growth and van der Waals-platteeuw model coupled with CPA equation of state was used to model hydrate phase equilibrium conditions. SDS with a concentration of 500 ppm and CTAB with a concentration of 700 ppm are the most effective promoters in increasing the average apparent rate constant and water to hydrate conversion. SiO2 nanofluid with a concentration of 0.3 wt% shows the most promising promotion effects by reducing the induction times of CO2 and CH4 hydrates formation by 70 and 74%, respectively. Aqueous solution of SDS with a concentration of 500 ppm is the most effective promoter that can enhance the average apparent rate constant of CO2 and CH4 by 350 and 200%, respectively.