Development of a Mathematical Model for Natural Gas Permeation through Polymer Nanocomposites at High Pressure and Temperature

Authors: Jimoh K. Adewole, Ibnelwaleed A. Hussein, Usamah A. Al-Mubaiyedh

Abstract: A mathematical model for predicting the permeability of natural gas in polymer nanocomposites was developed and tested using experimental data. The model takes into account the effects of pressure, temperature, crystallinity and nanoparticle loading. Three model parameters ( ,  and ) were obtained. The parameter   is a measure of the activation energy,   described the effect of nanocomposite loading, and  can be used to describe the effect of gas concentration on the . Polymer nanocomposites were prepared using high density polyethylene as polymer matrix and Cloisite 15A as nanoclay. The proposed model was used to predict the permeability of the nanocomposites to pure CH₄ and mixed CH₄/CO₂ gases (containing 80 mol% CH₄) at pressures up to about 106 bar and temperatures between 30 to 70°C. Predicted results show that the developed model provides an excellent description of natural gas permeation in pure HDPE and its nanocomposites.

Direct link: http://www.scientific.net/JNanoR.21.95