The Rate of Solution of Methane and Propane in Hydrocarbon Oils

Citation

Hill, Earl S. (1934) The Rate of Solution of Methane and Propane in Hydrocarbon Oils. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/Y3Z0-0Z59. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:02222018-150308842

Abstract

The apparatus used for determination of the rate of solution of hydrocarbon gases in hydrocarbon oils by Pomeroy, Scudder, and Stapp has been improved so that consistent results reproducible within 3% can be obtained. Methane and propane gases with over 99% purity have been prepared. The coefficients for the rate of solution of methane in 16 oils, varying in viscosity from 0.21 to 99 centipoises, including 6 crude oils, at 86°F (30°C) and 300 lbs./sq.in. (20 atm.) were measured. The equilibrium concentration of methane in the oil has been correlated with the density of the original oil. The effect of temperature on the diffusion coefficient for methane was studied with 2 crudes and 2 refined oils over the range from 86°F to 140°F (60°C). A logarithmic correlation of the diffusion constant for methane over this temperature range has been made with the viscosity of the original oil and the temperature.

The rate of solution of propane in kerosene, and in spray oil over a temperature range of 96°F to 140°F was determined up to 67% of the vapor pressure of liquid propane. The equilibrium concentration in mol fraction of propane in the liquid was found to be a linear function of the percent of the vapor pressure of liquid propane. The effect on the diffusion coefficient of the expansion of the liquid due to solution of gas was calculated and found to be small. The diffusion coefficient for the highly soluble gas, propane, was found to be a linear function of the concentration of propane in the liquid and the temperature, with a variation in the diffusion coefficient of about five-fold.

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