Structure and arrangement optimization of non-diagenetic gas hydrate jet crushing nozzles based on CFD simulation

Abstract To optimize the optimal nozzle structure and multiple nozzle arrangement for hydrate jet crushing and to promote the development of solid fluidization extraction technology for shallow unconformity hydrate in China’s oceans, the submerged jet flow field of six commonly used nozzle structures in the downhole in-situ jet crushing process was analyzed on the basis of the solid fluidization extraction process in double-layer pipes, and the effect of the jet hole arrangement on the overflow performance of hydrate slurry in the outer annulus of double-layer pipes was also investigated. It was demonstrated that tapered straight nozzles were preferably selected as the nozzle type for hydrate solid fluidization mining process based on jet core stage length, jet energy dissipation rate, and jet fluid axial velocity. In the meantime, the optimum arrangement of the nozzles was preferred on the basis of the annular pressure drop and the flow resistance coefficient, with the number of single circle not higher than 3 and the axial spacing of the nozzles not lower than 50 mm. This study can provide a theoretical basis for nozzle selection and tool design for the solid fluidization jet crushing process of marine unconformable hydrates.