To solve hydrate-plug problem in hydrocarbon pipelines
decomposition of gas hydrate was studied in a vertical circular vessel under 2.45 GHz microwave (MW) radiation.The samples used are two kinds of typical gas hydrates: methane+ethane+propane ternary gas hydrate and 22.1%—55.4%(vol) methane+methylcyclohexane (MCH) binary gas hydrate.The radiation power density are in the ranges of 7.98—60.22 kW·m-2 and 13.65—94.34 kW·m-2.Compared with conventional heating at the same temperature level
MW heating is better for hydrate-removal and the melting time is saved by more than 50%.Under high radiation level
the decomposition of hydrate can be accelerated with the help of interstitial liquid water
while the bulk water may become thermal resistance and overheated.The dynamic distribution of the liquid water during the multiphase porous flow is considered to be a main factor affecting the hydrate removal efficiency of MW heating.