Simulations of the methane hydrate methane gas interface near hydrate forming conditions

Molecular dynamics simulations have been used to probe the interface between type I methane hydrate and methane gas in the temperature range 250-300 K, and at pressures of 1 and 100 MPa, The interface was found to be stable up to 270 K, with the onset of melting occurring more readily at the lower pressure. Disordering of the surface layer was observed at all temperatures, to the extent that under some conditions a stable liquid film formed between the clathrate and gas phases.