Hydrate reformation characteristics in natural gas hydrate dissociation process: A review

Natural gas hydrates are considered as some of the most promising energy sources. However, economical, safe, and commercial exploitation of marine hydrates has not yet been achieved. One of the main obstacles is hydrate reformation in the process of hydrate exploitation, which needs to be properly addressed. The processes of hydrate dissociation and reformation under depressurization and thermal stimulation are discussed in this review. It is necessary to understand the manner in which various factors affect hydrate reformation during dissociation. Therefore, the effects of critical factors on hydrate reformation during thermal stimulation and depressurization dissociation are analysed to provide a comprehensive explanation of the hydrate reformation mechanism. In addition, several measures used to prevent hydrate reformation during the exploitation process are discussed. Finally, an experimental system was designed to investigate the exploitation methods and optimization of various hydrate-bearing sediments. Future efforts should focus on finding effective methods and evaluating the combined sequences, which can prevent hydrate reformation with acceptable exploitation efficiency.