Gas Hydrate—Properties, Formation and Benefits

There are numerous gas hydrate reserves all over the world, especially in permafrost regions and ocean environments. The abundance of gas hydrate reserves is estimated to be more than twice of the combined carbon of coal, conventional gas and petroleum reserves. These hydrate deposits hold significant amount of energy which can make hydrate a sustainable energy resource. The comprehensive research on the properties and formation of methane hydrates is paramount to ensure efficient and effective exploration and development of hydrate reserves. Natural gas is mostly distributed for different purposes through pipelines or pressure vessels such as dry gas, compressed gas or liquefied gas, which means transporting natural gas creates serious safety concerns because methane is highly flammable and almost impossible to detect any leak without using odorant. Alternatively, natural gas can be stored and transported as gas hydrate turns solid or slurry. Gas hydrate can be stored at equilibrium conditions with either saturation temperature or pressure. The equilibrium conditions are influenced by the cost and weight of storage vessel. Hydrate can be transported either as slurry or solid depending on the location of target or destination. The slurry form is usually a better option for distance of approximately 2500 mile or less while the solid form can be used for distances of roughly 3500 miles or more. The paper examines the properties, formation and benefits of gas hydrate. The suitability of gas hydrate as a sustainable energy resource and the possibility of using gas hydrate for the transportation and storage of natural gas (methane) are also stated. Natural gas transportation and storage as gas hydrate will create effectively and efficiently alternative bulk gas transportation and storage for future use of the gas.