Influence of production parameters on gas hydrate and ice powder pelletizing

A lab scale twin roll press machine was developed for pelletizing natural gas hydrate powder. Ice and hydrate powder were used for the pellet extrusion system. The effects of feeding pressure, pressure ratio, and rotating speed of the twin roll were investigated for producing high strength and stiffness hydrate pellets. The compressive strength and stiffness of pellet increased with increasing feeding pressure and rotation speed. In particular, there was a relatively large increase in the stiffness with an increase in rotating speed, and a relatively large increase in strength with increasing feeding pressure. The production ratio of pellets largely depended on the rotating speed of the twin roll. The results indicate the promising future of solid transportation of natural gas.