Modelling Methane Hydrate Saturation in Pores: Capillary Inhibition Effects

Experimental and field observations evidence the effects of capillarity in narrow pores on inhibiting thermodynamic stability gas hydrates controlling their saturation. Thus, precise estimates hydrate global inventory require models that accurately describe sediments. Here, an equilibrium model for formation sediments accounts capillary inhibition is developed validated against experimental data. Analogous to water freezing pores, assumes controlled by sediment pore size distribution balance forces at hydrate–liquid interface. To build formulation, we first derive Clausius–Clapeyron equation methane chemical potentials. Then, this combined with van Genuchten’s pressure relate properties system The examines influence saturation through simulation sand, silt, clays, under conditions without mass transfer limitations. results show pressure–temperature typically found seabed, very fine-grained clays can limit maximum below 20% host porosity.