The Adverse Effect of SDS on the Growth Rate of Double Tetra n-butylammonium Chloride + Methane Semiclathrate Hydrate

Gas hydrates could provide a clean and sustainable option to meet global energy demands. Accelerating gas hydrate formation is crucial to exploiting its positive applications, as these ice-like structures can serve as a vast and clean source of energy. In this research, we delve into the influence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the growth rate of double tetra n-butylammonium chloride (TBAC) + methane semiclathrate hydrate. To investigate this, we conducted experiments utilizing a stirred batch cell with a total volume of 169 cm3. The cell’s temperature was maintained at 278.15 K, while the initial pressures were set at 6 and 8 MPa. Comparing the results with pure water, SDS showed a significant positive effect on the growth rate of methane hydrate formation. However, when 400 ppm of SDS was introduced, it had a detrimental impact on the average growth rate of the double (TBAC + methane) semiclathrate hydrate within just 50 minutes of the process.