Tetrahydrofuran (THF) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) are two promoters that have been investigated on their roles in methane hydrate formation. However, not much has been reported on their synergistic effect, if any. This work attempted to look at how the two promoters work together in promoting methane hydrate formation. Effects of each promoter were first investigated using three different concentrations. The experiments were conducted in a quiescent condition in a fixed volume crystallizer at 8 MPa and 4 °C. The results showed that all concentration of SDS and THF enhanced the methane hydrate formation kinetics and methane consumption compared to pure water, except 1 mol% of THF. The mixture of 1 mM SDS and 1 mol% THF showed the synergetic effects on the methane hydrateformation by forming the fastest methane hydrate. That may be due to the decrease in the water surface tension from the presence of SDS. In addition, THF contributed in the formation in structure II with high stability. The average methane hydrate yields were also calculated in the range of 7.04 – 51.0 mol%.

Synergistic effects of tetrahydrofuran and sodium dodecyl sulfate on methane hydrate formation

251st National Meeting (2016)

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