Upper Limits on the Rates of Dissociation of Clathrate Hydrates to Ice and Free Gas

• Published in: The journal of physical chemistry. B 2002-06, Vol.106 (24), p.6298-6302
• Main Authors: Wilder, Joseph W, Smith, Duane H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1520-6106; 1520-5207
• DOI: 10.1021/jp014256i

The Hertz-Knudsen-Langmuir equation is used to calculate the maximum possible rate at which clathrate hydrates can dissociate. Since hydrate decomposition is endothermic, heat must be added to keep the sample temperature constant. The prediction of the Hertz-Knudsen-Langmuir equation for the rate of dissociation is used to determine the heat flux necessary to keep the sample temperature constant, and thereby maintain this maximum rate of production of gas from the hydrate. Such considerations may be relevant both to the study of the rate of hydrate decomposition and to the eventual efficient production of natural gas from hydrate deposits. In addition, experimental results available in the literature on hydrate decomposition rates and the kinetics of hydrate decomposition are discussed in light of the work done by Langmuir and others on endothermic decomposition reactions. These earlier studies suggest that dissociation experiments in which the sample is exposed to vacuum could help to explore the kinetics involved in hydrate decomposition.