Impact of Modified Silica Beads on Methane Hydrate Formation in a Fixed-Bed Reactor

Abstract

The work deals with the optimization of methane hydrate storage in fixed-bed reactor systems made up of modified silica beads. Under transient conditions, rapid hydrate growth is achieved at 4 °C. Glass beads are modified via silanization and treated with peroxymonosulfuric acid. It is proven that the fixed-bed surface properties significantly determine the gas hydrate growth and final gas uptake and therefore determine the successful technical design of the system. The capillary pressure is calculated in each bed configuration and is set in relation to the overall gas uptake. A negative capillary pressure leads to a holdback of water in the fixed-bed system. A high water-to-hydrate conversion is obtained for an untreated fixed bed with a positive capillary pressure. In the presence of SDS, the capillary effects are negated by the kinetic promotion effects. An inhibiting behavior is observed when using hydrophilic beads after treatment with peroxymonosulfuric acid.