Can 2-methyl-2-butene and isoprene form clathrate hydrates?

Abstract

In order to establish whether 2-methyl-2-butene and isoprene can form hydrates, experimental hydrate dissociation data were measured for the following systems: methane + water, 2-methyl-2-butene + methane + water and isoprene + methane + water. An isochoric pressure search method was used to perform the measurements in the ranges of (274.6 to 288.3) K and (3.25 to 13.35) MPa. The reported results are discussed in terms of the ability of isoprene (2-methyl-1, 3-butadiene) and 2-methyl-2-butene to interfere with methane hydrate dissociation conditions. It is found that the two C₅ hydrocarbons are likely not hydrate formers. However, a further confirmation via appropriate analytical tools is recommended.

Keywords:

• 2-methyl-2-butene
• gas hydrates
• isoprene
• petroleum
• stability conditions

Acknowledgment

This work is based upon research supported by the South African Research Chairs Initiative of the Department of Science and Technology and National Research Foundation. The authors would like to thank the National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) for financial assistance.