화학공학소재연구정보센터
Journal of Physical Chemistry B, Vol.112, No.32, 9876-9882, 2008
Formation of periodic layered pattern of tetrahydrofuran clathrate hydrates in porous media
Directional growth of tetrahydrofuran (THF) clathrate hydrates was studied in a mixture of glass beads and a stoichiometric THF-water solution. Results showed that disseminated pore space type hydrates formed in a mixture containing 50-mu m beads. However, a pure hydrate layer formed pushing the beads in a mixture containing 2-mu m beads (frost heaving of hydrates). As the growth proceeded, new layers were formed repeatedly, leading to the eventual formation of a periodic layered pattern. It was found that as the growth rate increased, both the thickness of a hydrate layer and the interval between the neighboring layers decreased according to power laws. The effects of the applied temperature gradient and the weight ratio of the solution and glass beads were also systematically studied. Further, the possibility of applying our model experiments to the formation of natural methane hydrates was discussed.