Resumen
Design diagram of experimental setup for studying the mass exchange processes occurring during formation of gas hydrates was presented. A procedure of performing studies and the use of equipment for conducting experiments in a diffusion mode with the use of slow stirrers with submerged and surface arrangement of the impeller, high-speed stirrers and the use of surfactants were outlined. Formulas for determining the specific intensity of mass exchange on the interphase surface were given.The results of full-scale observations of intensity of mass exchange processes have shown that dynamics of mass exchange between gas and water in the mode of free diffusion is well approximated by a power dependence with exponent of ?0.8. Quantitative indicators of dynamics of mass exchange on the propane-water interphase surface for various thermobaric conditions were determined. It was shown how intensity of the mass exchange processes decreases when thermobaric conditions enter the hydrate formation zone.It was established that the use of low-speed stirring devices makes it possible to intensify mass exchange on the interphase surface ten or more times compared to the conditions of free diffusion. However, this effect is observed only at long-term stirring. Thus, the use of slow mechanical stirrers with a speed of up to 100 rpm can only be recommended as a means of moving the formed hydrate within the reactor.Experimental studies have proved that the use of a stirrer with an impeller speed of 1,500 rpm can ensure an about 7?8 times increase in intensity of mass exchange in conditions of hydrate formation. Moreover, the maximum effect is observed at the beginning of mass exchange processes. It was proved that the use of surfactants makes it possible to further intensify the process of hydrate formation by increasing the area of mass exchange surface of gas bubbles in water.The study findings can be used in designing and improving the equipment for gas hydrate synthesis.