Description

The rock-cell allows the evaluation of hydrate formation by monitoring the pressure drop. It allows full observation of the formation, precipitation and dispersion of hydrates. Performances of hydrates inhibitors can also be assessed.  The device consists of a long cell covered by a cooling jacket which is connected to a chiller to control the temperature. The cell’s end is equipped with a sapphire window and a camera displays on a monitor the fluids during the test. An endoscope mounted on the opposite end records inside the cell the fluids. The cell is placed on a supporting table to which a rocking movement is applied by an electric motor. The fluids in the cell are mixed and dispersed through the rocking motion, allowing one to achieve the desired flow regime by adjusting the rocking conditions (angle and speed).