Review on the Usage of Small-Chain Hydrocarbons (C2—C4) as Aid Gases for Improving the Efficiency of Hydrate-Based Technologies

This review article aims to describe the main applications of gas hydrates in industrial processes and related advantages limitations. In particular, storage, energy transportation, final disposal greenhouse gases, desalination, wastewater treatments, food concentration, other technologies are described detail. Similarly, benefits disadvantages solutions, currently adopted improve process efficiency, discussed text. A particular focus on use additives their capability intervene during formation replacement is provided. The second part deals with small-chain hydrocarbons as aid gases formation, efficiency competitivity hydrate-based processes. First, thermodynamic properties hydrates, containing only these compounds, described. Then, based a collection experimental data available elsewhere literature, effect hydrate process, when present mixture, shown detailed. Finally, direct definitively prove possibility solving, partially or completely, most limiting problems for diffusion technologies.