A new approach to gas hydrate modelling

A two-step hydrate formation mechanism is proposed for gas hydrate formatio n: (1) a quasi-chemical reaction process to form basic hydrate and (2) an a dsorption process of smaller gas molecules in the Linked cavities of basic hydrate. Based on the new concepts introduced in a previous article and the two kinds of equilibrium: the quasi-chemical reaction equilibrium of step 1 and the physical adsorption equilibrium of step 2, a simpler hydrate mode l has been developed. Extensive test results indicate that the new model is adequate for predicting the hydrate formation conditions for pure gases an d gas mixtures. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.