KINETICS OF HYDRATE FORMATION AND DECOMPOSITION OF METHANE IN SILICA SAND.

Kinetics of hydrate formation and decomposition of methane hydrate formed in silica sand particles were studied in detail at three temperatures of 7.0, 4.0 and 1.0°C, respectively. A new apparatus was setup to study the decomposition behavior of the methane hydrate formed in the bed of silica sand particles. Six thermocouples are placed in different locations to study the temperature profiles during hydrate formation and decomposition experiments. Gas uptake measurement curves for the formation experiments and the gas release measurement curves for the decomposition experiment were determined from the experimental data. Percent conversion of water to hydrates was significantly higher for the experiments conducted at 4.0 and 1.0°C compared to 7.0°C. Recovery of methane occurred in two stages during the decomposition experiments carried out with a thermal stimulation approach at constant pressure. Methane recovery in the range of 95 to 98% was achieved. ; Applied Science, Faculty of ; Chemical and Biological Engineering, Department of ; Non UBC ; Unreviewed