Dissociation behavior of hydrate core sample using thermodynamic inhibitor - Part 2: Experimental investigation using long core samples

The dissociation behavior of a laboratory-made methane hydrate core sample following injection of an inhibitor (aqueous methanol solution) has been investigated using a specially developed experimental setup. The core holder utilized in this work is 5 times greater in length than the one previously employed. A warm aqueous methanol solution was injected into core samples, which simulate natural gas hydrate sediment under the seafloor. Core temperature decreased upon injection of the inhibitor, in contrast to the case of pure water injection. Measurement of gas yields versus time suggests that the inhibitor increased dissociation rates. The observed pressure differentials between inlet and outlet of the core suggest that the inhibitor effectively prevented the reformation of hydrate within the dissociating core sample.