Thermodynamic factors for selecting suitable hydrate formers for saline water treatment in the Mekong Delta

Abstract This study presents a significant advancement in the field of water treatment, specifically in the techniques used for identifying an appropriate hydrate former for saline desalination in agricultural regions. Salinization is a growing concern in the Mekong Delta, particularly impacting Ben Tre province, where agriculture heavily influences the local economy and livelihoods. The focus was on 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (R134a), propane, pentafluoroethane (R125a), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) as potential candidates. Simulation studies assessed hydrate formation with these formers in various water sources, including pure water, saline water from Ben Tre province in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, and seawater from Con Dao Island, Vietnam. The phase equilibria for the four selected formers were predicted using CSMGem commercial software and the Hu–Lee–Sum (HLS) correlation. Raman spectroscopy revealed that guest molecules were confined to the large cages of structure II hydrates. The simulation outcomes, corroborated by experimental data demonstrated good consistency. The thermodynamic data guided the desalination process design, highlighting R134a as the optimal hydrate former for desalination. In conclusion, the study utilized thermodynamic principles and simulation to determine a suitable hydrate former for desalination, with R134a emerging as the preferred choice. The study's implications for improving the sustainability of water resources in salinized regions are of international relevance.