Method and apparatus for producing gas hydrates

摘要

The method for producing gas hydrates comprises: Introducing a hydrate-forming gas and water into a reactor vessel (12) having a fluidised or expanded bed reaction zone. The reactor vessel has an upper portion (14) and lower portion (16) wherein the cross-sectional area of the upper portion is larger than the cross-sectional area of the lower portion. The gas is introduced, under elevated pressure, into the lower portion of the reactor vessel. Preferably, the water and gas flow in a countercurrent manner through the reactor and into the fluidised or expanded bed reaction zone. Gas hydrate particles are withdrawn from the reactor using a suitable product withdrawal device (40) and unreacted hydrate-forming gas is withdrawn from the upper portion of the reactor vessel and is recycled back to the fluidised or expanded reaction bed. The apparatus for practicing the process also includes a defrosting device (50) so that at least a portion of at least one wall of the reactor vessel can be defrosted.