Characterization of Gas Permeation in Polymeric Membrane

Polymers have been widely used in various industries in recent decades. One of the functions of polymers is to be employed as barriers against gas permeation. In this research, characterization of permeation in polymeric materials used in the oil and gas industry as a barrier is investigated. A permeation experimental setup is designed based on the constant volume/variable pressure procedure in order to characterize the permeability properties of polymeric membranes. The designed test set-up is capable of performing permeation experiments at high-temperature/high-pressure conditions. The permeation behavior of different types of fluoropolymer elastomers (Viton) materials is investigated at pressures up to 1200 Psi and temperatures up to 105˚C. The effect of temperature and pressure on gas permeation is studied using the experimental setup. The parameters governing the change in the permeability behavior of polymers is discussed for different pressure/temperature conditions. The experimental results obtained from testing at different pressure and temperature conditions are employed to develop a prediction model. The prediction model can act as a useful tool in order to estimate gas permeation in conditions that no experimental data exists. An Arrhenius relationship is used to model gas permeation as a function of absolute temperature. The model developed is successful in predicting permeation for a wide range of temperature at different pressures. The prediction model is verified by comparing the results of the permeation coefficient obtained at different pressures. Investigation to find proper methods for improvement of the barrier properties of the material employed in the oil and gas fields is also presented. Two types of surface coatings are examined to reduce gas permeation in the polymeric membranes, a silicone elastomeric coating, and a high-temperature resistant paint. The investigation of the silicone elastomeric coating is expanded by adding Nanoparticles to the coating mixture. In the end, an operation technique used in the oil and gas industry by field operators is examined. In this method, the membranes are soaked in hydraulic oil for 24 hours and then are employed as barriers. The permeation behaviors of all the three methods are discussed in this work. The observations made in the research showed a significant increase in gas permeation by increasing temperature. While the observed effect of increasing pressure was insignificant. The developed mathematical model was successful; it can be used in permeation prediction for temperature and pressure conditions with no experimental data. Finding a proper method for coating the material in order to reduce gas permeation can prevent the extra cost of replacing packaging materials. The silicone elastomeric coating was effective in reduction of gas permeation. Adding particles to the silicone coating resulted in better improvement of barrier properties. While paint coating had an insignificant effect on barrier enhancement. The examination of field technique showed no improvement in reduction of the gas permeation. However, it was capable of stalling permeation proces