Kinetics of Methane and Carbon Dioxide Hydrate Formation in Silica Gel Pores

Abstract

Experimental data on the kinetics of methane and carbon dioxide hydrate formation obtained in silica gel pores at pressures of 0.5−4.85 MPa above equilibrium are reported. The results indicate that the rates of hydrate formation are closely related to the driving force. Rapid hydrate formation and a much smaller induction time are obtained. The hydrate formation rate is fastest when carbon dioxide and methane are used in 100 nm silica gel pores even under low driving force. Owing to the rapid rate of hydrate formation in silica gel pores and the accumulation of the released heat of hydrate formation among the void among silica gel particles, a sudden temperature increase occurs at the beginning of the measurement. Some memory effects occur depending upon the state of the samples, but the pattern is random. Compared to mechanical stirring and the ice powder methods, the hydrate formation in silica gel pores shows a more rapid rate of hydrate formation and shortened induction time.