Experimental studies of formation and dissociation mechanisms of gas hydrates

In situ observations of CO₂ hydrate formation and dissociation processes were carried out in a liquid CO₂ and water system. Propagation rates of CO₂ hydrate films at the interface of the liquids, ν_f, were measured for various conditions. Representing ν_f as a function of temperature made it possible to predict ν_f in the deep sea. ν_f was found to be much greater than the growth rate of the film thickness. Dissociation processes of CO₂ hydrates were found to depend on whether temperature or pressure was changed to induce decomposition. These differences are important for engineering applications of gas hydrates