In detail description of a new lab-scale experimental apparatus, designed to investigate clathrate hydrate formation and CO2-CH4 replacement

Natural gas hydrates are ice like crystalline compounds, composed by water molecules which, in presence of suitable thermodynamic conditions, are capable to form solid cages around specific typologies of gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide. The present work deals with a detailed description of a lab scale experimental apparatus, designed to produce clathrate hydrates and study the of CO2‐CH4 replacement in marine natural gas hydrates. The device was realized on order to avoid internal gradient of temperature in radial direction; moreover, it is positioned inside a refrigerated room, which allow to reach uniform and constant environmental conditions, needed for the proper completion of hydrate tests. The article will provide a detailed description of the reactor, together with the scheme of the whole apparatus.