Investigation of the Natural Gas Components Redistribution in the “Gas-Hydrate” System

Abstract

Abstract The paper studies the degree of C2-C4 components redistribution in hydrates during their formation in water and mineralized solutions of hydrocarbonate and chloride types. It was found that in brines of the chloride type, in comparison with hydrocarbonate waters, there is a noticeable concentration of propane and isobutane. Such selective enrichment of hydrate gas with methane homologues leads to increasing in their fat coefficient and calorific value. Compared with the original natural gas, the fat coefficient of gases in hydrates obtained in hydrocarbonate waters increase by 3.0-3.2 times, the combustion heat of gases - by 17.2-18.0%. In brines of the chloride type, the fat coefficient of gases in hydrates in comparison with that one of the natural gas increase by 4.4-4.9 times, and the combustion heat - by 26.2-30.5%. Experimental studies have shown the possibility of using surface and ground waters in the industrial production of hydrates. The use of natural waters in the technological process of hydrates obtaining in special installations makes it possible to exclude the stage of water treatment, which can significantly reduce the cost of the hydrates production. And the selective fractionation of C2-C4 hydrocarbons leads to an increase in the energy value of the "hydrate" fuel.