Rheological properties of CO₂ hydrate slurries in presence of Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (AOT) in a dynamic loop for refrigeration application

Recent studies have shown real potential for using hydrate slurries as a secondary fluid in indirect refrigeration systems. However, pipeline clogging problems can appear due to hydrate agglomeration. Additives are generally used to counteract these problems. In this study, rheological properties of CO₂ hydrate slurries in the presence of an additive Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (AOT) are investigated. The capillary viscometer method is used to determine the fluid behaviour and the AOT impact on the slurry rheology. A dynamic loop is set up to collect experimental pressure drop and volume flow rate data. Based on the Rabinowitch and Mooney approach and Herschel-Bulkley model to determine the rheological properties, a shear-thinning behaviour was observed. The importance of the behaviour index choice in the procedure is discussed. Finally, the results obtained with AOT are compared with pre-existing studies. The present study highlights the AOT potential to significantly improve the CO₂ hydrate slurries properties.