As part of a European research programme (HYDRATECH), a specially designed Resonant Column Apparatus (RCA) was constructed by GDS Instruments for the University of Southampton, to provide conditions suitable for hydrate growth (low temperature and high pressure).
Modifications to the standard RCA allow both torsional and flexural excitation of specimens so that the shear modulus (G), Young’s modulus (E) and associated damping (D) can be determined on the same specimen. As the resonant column test is non-destructive, tests can be conducted on specimens before, during and after hydrate formation and on specimens where the hydrate has been allowed to dissociate. Methane and argon back pressures can be applied to the specimen, which is tested with nitrogen cell pressure.
To download the case study click here.