Resolving CO2 and methane hydrate formation kinetics

• Published in: Environmental Chemistry Letters
• Main Authors: Golombok, M., Ineke, E., Luzardo, J.-C.R., He, Y.Y., Zitha, P.L.J.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Methane hydrate
• Online Access: https://research.tue.nl/en/publications/6765c8fc-9e43-4d8c-afdd-0b9f8a58930e; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-008-0173-y

We analyse the kinetics of CO2 and methane hydrate formation. The characteristic formation times are associated with different steps of the formation process. Conditions for minimising these rate times are identified while maintaining a regime where CO2 hydrate is formed and methane remains predominantly gaseous. This involves a rapid pressurisation routine and accesses points well above the phase boundary in order to enable faster kinetics. Conditions for optimising rates and times, to obtain maximum CO2 uptake with respect to CH4, were identified as (1) stirring faster than 1,000 rpm, (2) rapid pressurisation to a partial pressure of around 50 bar for CO2 and (3) re-use of contaminated as opposed to fresh water.