Dissociation Behavior of Hydrate Core Sample Using Thermodynamic Inhibitor

Abstract

The dissociation behavior of an artificial hydrate core sample in an inhibitor aqueous solution (methanol aqueous solution) was investigated experimentally. A newly constructed experimental setup equipped with a core holder was used to investigate the dissociation behavior of the hydrate core sample under conditions similar to those below the seafloor. It was observed that an inhibitor that changes the hydrate stability condition is effective in accelerating the hydrate dissociation rate. In addition, it was observed that the temperature of the solution from the outlet of the core changes continuously, while the outlet temperature does not change in the case of pure water. This result suggests that the inhibitor concentration around the hydrate surface changes continuously.