Orthogonal experiment research on factors affecting hydrate accumulation

By analyzing forces of hydrate, it is found out that the main agglomeration force is capillary bridge force, and the calculating model of maximum critical particle size of hydrate aggregate is improved. Factors affecting hydrate accumulation include contact angle, interfacial tension of oil and water, viscosity of oil phase, hydrate volume fraction, and shear rate. By analyzing the effect of a single factor on hydrate agglomeration, it is concluded that the increase of oil-water interfacial tension will lead to intensified aggregation, while the increase in other factors will drcrease hydrate agglomeration. Taking the maximum critical particle size of hydrate aggregate as the indicator to judge agglomeration degree, orthogonal experiment is used to figure out the optimal combination of factor level, hydrate volume fraction as the most influential factors is needed to be controlled at the best level. The research result can provide a support to the hydrate control and ensure steady operation of pipeline.