Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
National University of Singapore
The Case for Solidified Natural Gas (SNG) Technology
Abstract:
The hydrate based approach to storing natural gas (known as Solidified Natural Gas (SNG) technology) has been gaining popularity in recent times owing to its environmentally benign operation, large volumetric capacity and non-explosive character.
In this talk, I shall be detailing how by transitioning from structure I to structure II hydrates through the introduction of thermodynamic promoters like tetrahydrofuran (THF) to the system, our group has been able to not only favourably tune the thermodynamic operating conditions for hydrate formation (significantly higher temperature and lower pressure for hydrate formation), but also demonstrated remarkable kinetic performance during hydrate formation at the revised operating conditions.
Customised experimental facilities developed in house that offer us unique capabilities to carry out this cutting edge research will be introduced as will the other significant breakthroughs made towards mellowing the hydrate formation and storage conditions. Lastly, the roadmap developed and efforts made towards making the SNG technology one that appeals to the industry will be outlined.
Biography:
Dr. Gaurav Bhattacharjee is a Senior Research Fellow with the National University of Singapore in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
Prior to joining the National University of Singapore, Dr. Bhattacharjee was a postdoctoral researcher with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. Gaurav’s research focuses on the various technological applications of gas hydrates as well as in the recovery of natural gas from marine gas hydrate reservoirs.
Specifically, his research has made significant contributions to the general understanding of how various additives such as amino acids and surfactants affect the kinetics of gas hydrate formation and dissociation. Since joining Associate Prof. Praveen Linga’s gas hydrate group at National University of Singapore, Gaurav has been actively involved in their flagship Solidified Natural Gas (SNG) Technology project.