Burning Ice—Direct Combustion of Methane Clathrates

ABSTRACT

A clathrate (or gas hydrate) is an ice-like nonstoichiometric crystalline solid composed mainly of water that is stabilized by the presence of a “guest” gas molecule. Methane hydrates are concentrated sources of methane found in the deep ocean and in permafrost regions. This potential mega-resource of energy also represents a substantial potential impact on the environment. To better understand the implications of utilizing fuel clathrates directly, we describe the structure and combustion behavior of methane hydrates. The combustion studies involve determining the dissociation/melting rate and water evaporation during the hydrate burn. Experimental results are used to describe the major elements controlling the hydrate combustion process.

KEYWORDS:

• Methane hydrate
• Solid combustion

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Marco Minniti and Serah Gutman.

Funding

This research at the University of California, Irvine, was supported by the National Science Foundation under grant CBET-0932415, by the University of California, Irvine Environment Institute, and by a grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation as part of the Deep Ocean Power Science Laboratory.

Additional information

Funding

This research at the University of California, Irvine, was supported by the National Science Foundation under grant CBET-0932415, by the University of California, Irvine Environment Institute, and by a grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation as part of the Deep Ocean Power Science Laboratory.