Clathrate hydrate crystallization

Abstract

Clathrate hydrate crystallization has been an area of interest to chemical engineers from the point of view of crystal structure, thermophysical properties, phase equilibria, kinetics, industrial applications, and environmental (climate change) implications. There is ongoing scientific and practical interest in this multidisciplinary field. This manuscript aims to present the status of the subject from the chemical engineering point of view by focusing on equilibrium, kinetics, and applications including the relationship between clathrate hydrates and climate change. Only canonical clathrates of structure I, II, and H are discussed. The evolution of the field since the early 1800s and the major milestones are discussed in a historical perspective. Hydrate crystallization remains a problem in the oil and gas industry and at the same time offers the opportunity for development of technologies such as seawater desalination, natural gas storage and transport, and CO₂ sequestration, as well as novel technologies such as carbonated solid foods and separation of heavy water (D₂O) from light water (H₂O). In addition, the link to climate change is highlighted and an effort is made to emphasize areas of research that in our opinion deserve further attention.