Experimental characterization of CH4 and CO2 hydrates formation in presence of porous quartz and Cu gas-atomized particles: thermodynamic analyses and evidences about the feasibility of CH4/CO2 reverse replacement

Methane and carbon dioxide hydrates were formed in a small-scale apparatus filled with pure quartz porous sand and Cu particles, produced via gas-atomization for applications in additive manufacturing. Three different concentrations were tested, of 4.23, 18.01 and 30.66 wt%. This additive was found to act as promoter for methane hydrates and as inhibitor for carbon dioxide hydrates. The effect increased with the concentrations and was associated to the chemical properties of particles. Results were compared validated with literature. For the first time, it was possible to add this material to the group of additives able to intervene on the process differently as a function of the guest compound involved. Results showed a thermodynamic area in which CO2 hydrates required more severe conditions than CH4 hydrates to form. This new configuration allowed to propose an innovative application based on the CH4/CO2 reverse replacement