Microscopic forces between methane hydrate particle and droplet-wetted sand grain surface in a high-pressure system: experiments and mechanisms

Solving the issue of hydrate formation and blockage in pipelines during deepwater oil and gas development and hydrate-based green energy extraction is a crucial flow assurance safety concern. The micro-forces between hydrate particles and wetted surfaces are key parameters in studying the aggregation or detachment behavior of hydrates on pipe walls. Current research primarily focuses on carbon steel surfaces, with a lack of studies on the micro-forces between hydrates and wetted sand grain surfaces in oil and gas pipeline flow systems and hydrate extraction processes. In this study, a visual particle micro-force measurement device was designed to investigate the micro-forces between hydrates and wetted sand grain surfaces in a high-pressure system. The results showed that at subcooling degrees of 1°C, 3°C, 5°C, 7°C, and 10°C, the micro-forces between hydrate particles and wetted sand grain surface droplets