Particle bond destruction based on spiral-cyclone coupling mechanism for the cementation of hydrates and mud–sand

Abstract

Weak cementation between natural gas hydrates and mud–sand seriously affects the solid-fluidized mining of natural gas hydrates. In this study, we analyze the debonding of natural gas hydrate sediment (NGHS) particles by applying the principle of spiral-cyclone coupling separation. To achieve this, weakly cemented NGHS particle and mechanical models were established. In the flow field of the spiral-cyclone flow-coupling separator, the motion characteristics of the weakly cemented NGHS particles and the destruction process of the cementation bond were analyzed. The destruction of the bonds mainly occurred in the spiral channel, and the destruction efficiency of the bonds was mainly affected by the rotational speed. Collision analysis of the particles and walls showed that when the velocity is 10–16 m·s⁻¹, the cementation bond can be broken. The greater the speed, the better the effect of the bond fracture. The breaking rate of the cementation bonds was 85.7%. This study is significant for improving the degumming efficiency in natural gas hydrate exploitation, improving the recovery efficiency of hydrates, and promoting the commercialization of hydrate solid fluidization exploitation.