Enhanced Methane Hydrate Formation Kinetics in Frozen Particles of Biopolymer Solutions: Applicable to Methane Storage

Water-soluble polymers have shown dual characteristics either as hydrate promoters (enhanced the rate of gas hydrate formation) or inhibitors (retarded the hydrate formation kinetics). Therefore, in this study, we evaluate the promotional/inhibition effect of the environmentally friendly biodegradable, water-soluble polymers for methane hydrate formation. An unstirred high-pressure reactor was used to synthesize methane hydrates of frozen biopolymers. A comparative analysis of the hydrate formation growth for concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 4.0 wt % of the frozen crushed bipolymer was performed. Further, to probe the impact of melting rates of the frozen powder on methane hydrate growth, frozen powdered biopolymers were characterized using the nuclear magnetic relaxation (NMR) spectroscopy method at a temperature of 272.2 K. From the kinetic and NMR experiments, a direct correlation between the transition rate of water to hydrate and the melting rate of frozen powdered biopolymers was established. Furthermore, this study allows us to classify the best biopolymers to enhance the kinetics of hydrate formation. Our findings highlight the promise of engaging biopolymers for solidified natural gas technology to store and transport natural gas.