Three-Dimensional-Printed Polymeric Cores for Methane Hydrate Enhanced Growth

Abstract

Polymeric models of the core prepared with a Raise3D Pro2 3D printer were employed for methane hydrate formation. Polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), carbon fiber reinforced (UltraX), thermoplastic polyurethane (PolyFlex), and polycarbonate (ePC) were used for printing. Each plastic core was rescanned using X-ray tomography to identify the effective porosity volumes. It was revealed that the polymer type matters in enhancing methane hydrate formation. All polymer cores except PolyFlex promoted the hydrate growth (up to complete water-to-hydrate conversion with PLA core). At the same time, changing the filling degree of the porous volume with water from partial to complete decreased the efficiency of hydrate growth by two times. Nevertheless, the polymer type variation allowed three main features: (1) managing the hydrate growth direction via water or gas preferential transfer through the effective porosity; (2) the blowing of hydrate crystals into the volume of water; and (3) the growth of hydrate arrays from the steel walls of the cell towards the polymer core due to defects in the hydrate crust, providing an additional contact between water and gas. These features are probably controlled by the hydrophobicity of the pore surface. The proper filament selection allows the hydrate formation mode to be set for specific process requirements.

Fatigue Behavior of Rotary Friction Welding of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and Polycarbonate Dissimilar Materials

“…The fatigue life of the RFW of ABS/PC dissimilar rods is in between. These results are consistent with the mechanical properties of the welding base metal [34][35][36].…”

“…The fatigue life of the RFW of ABS/PC dissimilar rods is in between. These results are consistent with the mechanical properties of the welding base metal [34][35][36]. Figure 16 shows the fatigue test results of the RFW of ABS and PC dissimilar rods under five different rotational speeds.…”

The Study Influence Analysis of the Mathematical Model Choice for Describing Polymer Behavior

“…In the chemical industry, manufacturers and researchers use PTFE as a gasket and rod material [14]. PTFE is a biocompatible material and has no allergic reactions.…”