Gas Hydrates Laboratory

The Gas Hydrate Laboratory was established in 1995. It has received more than $151,000 for new equipment during the past 3 years and $20,000 for the next year.

Some current studies include:

• four cells rated to 210 bar with working volume from 180 cm3 up to 1000 cm3
• one cell rated to 500 bar that we use to study gas hydrate formation and dissociation under dynamic and static conditions
• study of gas hydrate morphology and gas-water relationships.

All cells have visual control through sapphire windows with diameter 50-84 mm. One new cell for study of hydrate formation and dissociation in special conditions in the pore space is under construction.

We receive important data on gas solubility in water and sea water under high pressure and low temperature before and after hydrate formation. This data helps us understand the process formation and dissociation of gas hydrate deposits, and some properties of gas hydrates.

Studies are performed on the process of nucleation and crystal growth of different pure and natural gases with pure water, sea water and different thermodynamic and kinetics inhibitors. Studies are also done on hydrate formation and dissociation of green house gases.

Laboratory work is performed by gas hydrate consortia and strata contracts with different oil and gas companies.

For additional information, please email: yuri.makogon@pe.tamu.edu or call (979) 845 4066.