Microscopic insights into the fading mechanism of the hydrate memory effect
Liwei Cheng, Runze He, Jinlong Cui, Qun Yi, Bei Liu, Guangjin Chen
Fuel https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2025.136212
Abstract
The existence of the hydrate memory effect has always been a “double-edged sword”. On one hand, it can
accelerate the formation rate of hydrates, which helps address the issue of low hydrate formation rates. On the
other hand, its presence can lead to secondary blockages, posing a significant challenge to the oil and gas in-
dustry. Currently, there is insufficient understanding of the process of the fading of the hydrate memory effect.
This study focuses on the fading process of the hydrate memory effect, utilizing molecular simulations to
demonstrate the microscopic processes of memory effect fading at the molecular scale. The simulation results
indicate that shorter dissociation times result in a longer persistence of the memory effect. Nanobubbles do not
enhance the likelihood of the memory effect occurring; instead, ordered water molecules and supersaturated
methane molecules are the key factors. The fading process of the memory effect includes the escape of methane
from the liquid phase and the breaking of hydrogen bonds between ordered water molecules. Furthermore, we
propose measures to promote the fading of the memory effect. These research findings will provide important
theoretical foundations for the application and prevention of the memory effect.
水合物记忆效应的存在一直是一把“双刃剑”。一方面，它可以加快水合物的生成速率，有助于解决水合物形成速率低的问题；
另一方面，其存在也可能导致二次堵塞，给油气工业带来重大挑战。目前，人们对记忆效应消退过程的理解仍显不足。本研究聚
焦于水合物记忆效应的消退过程，利用分子模拟手段揭示其在分子尺度上的微观演化机制。模拟结果表明，较短的分解时间会导
致记忆效应持续更长时间。纳米气泡并不会提高记忆效应发生的概率，有序水分子和过饱和甲烷分子才是关键因素。记忆效应的
消退过程包括甲烷从液相中逸出以及有序水分子之间氢键结构的破坏。此外，我们还提出了促进记忆效应消退的应对措施。该研
究成果将为水合物记忆效应的应用与防控提供重要的理论基础。
