--> Abstract: Investigations into the Stability, Morphology and the Crystal Structure of Structure I and II Methane-Ethane Clathrate Hydrates, by Kimberly Tait; #90033 (2004)
[First Hit]

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

Investigations into the Stability, Morphology and the Crystal Structure of Structure I and II Methane-Ethane Clathrate Hydrates

Kimberly Tait
University of Arizona, Geosciences
Tucson, AZ
[email protected]

Gas hydrates (clathrates) are elevated-pressure (P) and low-temperature (T) solid phases in which gas molecule guests are physically incorporated into hydrogen-bonded, cage-like ice host frameworks. Natural clathrates have been found worldwide in permafrost and in ocean floor sediments, as well as in the outer Previous HitsolarNext Hit system (the Moon, comets, Mars, satellites of the gas giant planets). Clathrates in oceanic deposits have a great potential as an Previous HitenergyNext Hit resource for the future; some have estimated that the global reserve of methane in hydrate form contains more than twice the Previous HitenergyTop of all natural gas, petroleum, and coal deposits combined. However, clathrates in these deposits exist in rather delicate equilibrium conditions, and certain perturbations, such as depressurization and/or warming can cause decomposition into methane gas and water. This reaction has significant implications for clathrate exploitation since methane released to the atmosphere due to destabilization of ocean-floor hydrates could exacerbate greenhouse effects and potentially contribute to global warming.

By synthesizing clathrates in a Laboratory and studying natural samples we hope to determine stability ranges of different types of clathrates, so that proper extraction methods can be employed when drilling, as well as to ensure safe handling procedures in pipelines.

X-ray and neutron diffraction, both at ambient and high pressure will determine the stability ranges of the gas clathrates, so that safe handling procedures can be employed in the petroleum industry for this potential alternative fuel source.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90033©2004 AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid