Plasma Decomposition of Clathrate Hydrates by 2.45 GHz Mircowave Irradiation at Atmospheric Pressure

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to develop a process to use the plasma decomposition of clathrate
\nhydrates to produce fuel gas. An ordinary microwave (MW) oven is used as the source of 2.45
\nGHz MW radiation under atmospheric-pressure. The plasma decomposition of the hydrates
\ncould pave the way for a new utilization of atmospheric pressure plasma. Cyclopentane (CP)
\nhydrate formed at atmospheric pressure was decomposed by plasma in a MW oven generating
\ngas with a content of 65% hydrogen, 12% CO, and 8% CO2. About 7% of the MW input power
\nwas consumed to decompose the hydrates. ??2011 The Japan Society of Applied Physics