Theoretical Foundations of Gas Hydrate Synthesis Intensification

Abstract The methods of industrial production of gas hydrates are considered, their problems are identified, and a list of factors that are decisive for the intensification of mass exchange processes is outlined. The prospective use of mass transfer devices with a dynamic interfacial surface for the synthesis of gas hydrates is substantiated. A mathematical model of hydrate formation on the surface of a water droplet moving in a gas flow is proposed. Digital solutions for various droplet sizes, velocities, gas pressures, water temperature, gas permeability of gas hydrate, and dynamics of hydrate formation over time were obtained. It was established that the main ways of intensification of the synthesis of gas hydrates are: obtaining smaller water droplets, maintaining the gas temperature at the level of 0 °С, increasing the gas pressure, and increasing the residence time of the droplet in the gas medium. Approximation formulas for calculating quantitative indicators of the influence of various factors on the formation of methane gas hydrate have been obtained. The analysis of the obtained results made it possible to establish promising directions for the optimization of equipment for the synthesis of gas hydrates.