Rapid production of high-density methane hydrate pellets using double chain surfactants: Implications for solidified methane storage

Elaheh Sadeh, Abdolreza Farhadian, Mikhail A. Varfolomeev, Matvei E. Semenov, Abolfazl Mohammadi, Ulukbek Zh Mirzakimov and Yulia F. Chirkova

Energy, 2025, vol. 318, issue C

Abstract: This study addresses the challenges of methane hydrate storage by developing novel double-chain surfactants (DCSs) to enhance the rapid production of high-density methane hydrate pellets. The analysis of micellization behavior revealed that longer alkyl chains in DCSs form smaller and more uniform micelles, significantly impacting their performance as hydrate promoters. Among the tested DCSs, DCS-12 at 500 ppm showed the highest storage capacity (168.71 v/v) and almost complete conversion (99.92 %), maximizing water's potential to form hydrates. DCSs demonstrated high conversion efficiency (over 88 %) at concentrations as low as 5 ppm, suggesting strong potential for cost-effective and scalable applications. The methane hydrate pellets formed with DCS-12 were dense and stable, particularly at 500 ppm, with minimal methane release over a week. This enhances the ease of handling, storage, and transportation of methane in solid form, making it more viable for industrial applications. The differential scanning calorimetry thermograms in the presence of DCSs demonstrated that alkyl chain length significantly influenced their promotion activity, with shorter alkyl chains providing higher efficacy. This increased performance is attributed to enhanced molecular mobility and reduced steric hindrance, allowing for more efficient interactions during hydrate formation. Additionally, DCS-12 exhibited no stable foam formation during gas recovery, enhancing recovery efficiency. The DCSs also performed well in saline conditions, a key economically advantageous for hydrate-based methane storage. By accelerating hydrate formation, enabling high conversion, and forming compact pellets, DCS-12 offers a promising solution for improving methane storage and transport. Its effectiveness in both pure and saline environments, coupled with low required concentrations, makes it suitable for scaling up solidified natural gas technology.

Keywords: Methane hydrate pellet; Methane storage; Gas hydrate; Double-chain surfactants; Amino acid; Foam formation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:318:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225004736

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.134831

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