Date of Graduation

2000

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

Committee Chair

Hisashi O. Kono

Abstract

This work quantitatively characterizes the flow and mixing properties of aerated bulk fine powders between the minimum fluidization and minimum bubbling velocities (Umf < U < Umb). In order to accomplish this characterization, the viscosity of the emulsion phase was measured using the Maxwell’s model for the rheological behavior of complex bodies along with the set of rheological parameters proposed by Kono et al (1994). A unique property of the bulk fine powder called the relaxation time (t) was measured experimentally and this property was combined with another rheological parameter called the plastic deformation coefficient (Y) to give the viscosity of the emulsion phase as m = Yt. SECTION II This work describes the first homogeneous formation and decomposition of methane gas hydrates within several different synthetic sediments by using a highpressure batch reaction system. The pressure of the formation reaction was varied in the range of 6.8 – 13.6 MPa while the temperature was maintained constant at 273.5 K Decomposition of hydrate was accomplished through controlled depressurization starting at a pressure of 2.7 MPa, maintaining the temperature constant at 273.5 K. Overall reaction order, both for the formation and decomposition were also determined.

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