Modelling of hydrate formation kinetics: State-of-the-art and future directions

Clathrate hydrates have drawn considerable attention in the last few years due to a variety of possible applications, including transportation and storage of natural gas and carbon dioxide sequestration in the ocean. These applications require the development of effective hydrate formation reactors, which, in turn, asks for a comprehensive understanding of hydrate formation kinetics. Contrary to hydrate thermodynamics, hydrate kinetics are still poorly understood. In the present contribution, a critical review of the literature on hydrate kinetics is provided, with special emphasis upon modelling efforts, essential to the design of any reactor. The main features of the models available in the literature for hydrate nucleation and growth are discussed, together with their limitations. In addition, suggestions for further developments are presented.