Variable Gas Solubility Effect of the Gas Hydrate System and its Influence on Optimization of Gas Recovery

Abstract

Methane solubility in water is significantly lower in the presence of hydrate than in water where no hydrate is present. Experiments with hydrate present show a decrease in gas solubility with both decreasing temperature and increasing pressure when crystalline hydrate is introduced. The water around hydrate becomes supersaturated in methane and subsequently promotes additional hydrate formation without exsolution of free gas. Thus, heating of the water and gas produced from hydrate is recommended to insure the absence of unwanted hydrate formation and optimize flow assurance.