Micro-CT Scanning of Gas Hydrate Decomposition in Model Porous Media

Abstract

The results of investigating gas hydrate decomposition processes in model porous media using a Micro-CT Test System were analyzed. The objects of the study were natural gas hydrates produced at a specified pressure and temperature using porous media consisting of sand with three particle size ranges (0.85-1.18, 1.18-2.85, and 2.85-4.8 mm). The microstructural characteristics and the porosity of the obtained gas hydrates in the decomposition process were studied. The dependence of microstructural characteristics of gas hydrates on the nature of the porous medium, based on which the hydrates were produced, was also investigated. The results indicate that the hydrate is distributed uniformly and fills the pores of the porous media almost completely.