Experimental and modeling study on hydrate formation in wet activated carbon

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Methane hydrates are crystalline solids trapping gas molecules.
• Activated carbon is a porous material with high surface area.
• Efficient methane storage is crucial for energy applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate methane hydrate formation in wet activated carbon.
• To determine the impact of water content on hydrate storage capacity.
• To develop a model for hydrate formation kinetics.

Main Methods:

• Experimental study of methane hydrate formation in activated carbon saturated with water.
• Measurement of gas storage capacity at varying water-to-carbon ratios.
• Development and validation of a mathematical model for hydrate formation kinetics.

Main Results:

• Immersing activated carbon in water enhances methane hydrate formation.
• Maximum actual storage capacity reached 212 standard volumes of gas per volume of water.
• Highest apparent storage capacity was 140 v/v, dependent on water-to-carbon ratio.
• Hydrate formation in wet carbon occurs at lower temperatures or higher pressures than in free water.

Conclusions:

• Wet activated carbon significantly enhances methane hydrate formation and storage.
• A validated kinetic model accurately describes hydrate formation in this system.
• This method offers a promising approach for efficient methane gas storage.