Hydrate Dissociation Using Microwaves, Radio Frequency, Ultrasonic Radiation, and Plasma Techniques

Abstract

In this work, a comprehensive review of technologies employing radiation sources such as microwave, ultrasonic, and radio frequency (RF) on gas hydrates is presented. The characterizing parameters of radiation, such as frequency, wavelength, and power are highlighted for the compiled studies. In addition, characterizing parameters like hydrate dissociation rate, irradiated microwave power, complete dissociation time, reaction paths and mechanisms, differential pressure and temperature of gas hydrates during the experiments are also reported. Moreover, the work also describes the basic concept behind the working of the different wave forms such as microwaves, ultrasonic, RF wave and plasma for hydrate dissociation.

Review of Gas Hydrate Research in India: Status and Future Directions

“…A detailed review on technologies employing radio frequency waves, plasma, microwaves, and ultrasonic waves for dissociation of methane hydrates was presented by Khan et al 99 Salient information on parameters including power, wavelength, frequency of radiation, hydrate dissociation rate, time for dissociation, plausible pathways, and mechanisms along with basic concepts on action of different waves during hydrate dissociation was presented from the literature. An account of modeling hydrate formation/dissociation employing electromagnetic radiation, a comparison of electromagnetic radiation and other techniques for methane recovery, and future directions of research in this area were also provided in the review.…”

Methane Hydrate Dissociation in Quartz Sand by Depressurization Combined with Microwave Stimulation

“…Depressurization has been combined with the boundary heat transfer method, air-bath heating, hot water, hot brine, electrical heating, − and low-frequency electrical heating , in laboratory-scale to simulation-scale experiments into hydrate decomposition. Unlike conventional heating, microwave heating provides rapid and uniform heating to polar molecules (such as water, acid, and natural gas hydrate) without heat loss . Microwave stimulation also has a significant effect on methane hydrate decomposition, and the water produced from hydrate decomposition exhibits strong microwave absorption ability, which can further promote decomposition of the surrounding hydrate .…”

“…Unlike conventional heating, microwave heating provides rapid and uniform heating to polar molecules (such as water, acid, and natural gas hydrate) without heat loss. 37 Microwave stimulation also has a significant effect on methane hydrate decomposition, 38 and the water produced from hydrate decomposition exhibits strong microwave absorption ability, which can further promote decomposition of the surrounding hydrate. 39 Wang et al 40 performed simulations with an optimized combined microwave and depressurization method for hydrate decomposition and achieved high energy efficiency and rapid gas production.…”