Preservation of Methane Hydrates Prepared from Dilute Electrolyte Solutions

Abstract

The anomalous or self-preservation of methane hydrate at atmospheric pressure and temperatures below the ice point was investigated to determine whether this phenomenon might have applications in the storage and transportation of natural gas. Particular attention was paid to the effects of dilute electrolytes, as the presence of impurities in water is unavoidable in commercial transportation processes. The presence of electrolytes had a marked effect on the decomposition kinetics of methane hydrate at temperatures between 243 and 269 K. It was also found that chloride and sulfate ions may exhibit greater effects than do sodium and magnesium ions.