An improved phase equilibrium model for methane hydrate dissociation inside pore

The phase equilibrium conditions of methane hydrate, particularly the phase equilibrium pressure, are influenced by capillary pressure. In this study, the existing model for phase equilibrium pressure is enhanced, and a novel methane hydrate dissociation model is formulated by integrating it with the established hydrate dissociation model. A numerical simulation is conducted on experimental research, and the reliability of the model is validated through comparison with experimental data, yielding consistent results. The significance and necessity of considering capillary pressure between hydrate and water in the exploration of methane hydrate dissociation in micropores are elucidated. The proposed model is employed to further elucidate the evolution of various factors such as methane generation rate, phase distribution, temperature distribution, and phase equilibrium pressure distribution. The findings underscore the critical role of capillary pressure between hydrates and water, emphasizing its substantial impact on the accuracy of hydrate dissociation models. Specifically, the cumulative gas production and methane generation rate values obtained are relatively diminished when neglecting capillary pressure between hydrate and water. Capillary pressure, hydrate dissociation effects, and the coupled effect of interphase heat transfer collectively influence the distribution of phase equilibrium pressure, methane generation rate, phase distribution, temperature distribution, and phase equilibrium pressure distribution. Capillary pressure elevates the phase equilibrium pressure of hydrate, augments the driving force for hydrate dissociation, and accelerates the dissociation process.