Methane Hydrate Film Thickening in Porous Media

Abstract

Methane hydrate formation accompanied by upward migration of methane in sediments was studied. Methane hydrate film forms initially along the interface between the gas and surrounding pore fluid when methane reaches the hydrate stability zone. Subsequent film thickening and related mass transfer are critical but have not been studied previously. Experimental and theoretical studies were performed to investigate the film thickening and rate-limiting mechanisms. Initial gas density affects the stability of the growing hydrate film, and mass transfer through hydrate film is proposed as a rate-limiting step for hydrate growth.