Abstract
In order to synthesize methane hydrate at high formation rate, finebubbles were utilized. The finebubble generator consisted of a liquid pump and a special line mixer. Finebubbles shortened an induction time of hydrate formation because the nucleation of hydrate was enhanced. With increasing liquid circulation flow rate, the induction time of hydrate formation shortened and the formation rate of hydrate increased because the number of finebubbles increased. The induced air flotation of oil droplets was conducted by the finebubble generator for oil-in-water emulsion separation. Compared with millibubbles, the dispersion of finebubbles effectively separated oil droplets. This was because finebubbles had high efficiency of collision with droplets and it was difficult to detach droplets because of the low rising velocity of finebubbles. The oil separation was largely enhanced at the solution pH below 4.5 because the electrostatic attraction between oil droplets and finebubbles was generated.
