John Tse is the Canada Research Chair in Materials Science at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). He is leading novel studies to advance our understanding of hydrate formation mechanisms. His research has opened exciting new directions for the transport of natural gas, the capture of carbon emissions, and the protection against pipeline catastrophes. The BP Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010 stands as a sobering example of the potential hazards associated with hydrate formation. This tragic event highlights the tremendous need for progress in this vital area.
Tse and his team are primarily interested in predicting the behavior of hydrates, which can house vast quantities of gas. Wonderfully, a single cubic foot of hydrate can hold as much as 150 cubic feet of gas. This property makes hydrates particularly relevant for both natural gas transportation and carbon capture projects, where efficient storage and safety are paramount.
Research Methodology
To make his measurements, Tse studies a solution of water and tetrahydrofuran (THF) at very cold temperatures, around -271° Celsius. He starts by mixing them together, then he cools it all down to -263°C in a vacuum. This enables him to watch the new behaviors that come up in those environments. Utilizing the advanced X-ray beamlines at the Canadian Light Source at USask, Tse meticulously studies the phase changes that occur as the temperature increases.
Then, as the solution’s temperature is increased through heating, the THF evaporates and the crystals are formed. In this case too, the frozen water remains in amorphous instead of crystal form. This first phase transition is essential to deciphering the mechanisms behind hydrate formation, and how gas interacts with water. Tse states,
“I want to understand more about how this compound forms, and how the gas and water interact with each other.”
This basic physical chemistry research has been reported in The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters. It offers unprecedented glimpses of hydrate dynamics. The full publication can be viewed at DOI 10.1021/acs.jpclett.5c00576.
Implications for Industry
The implications from Tse’s research are huge, and could lead to major improvements in pipeline safety. By better understanding hydrate formation processes, engineers will be able to create innovative new technologies focused on reducing hydrate formation and associated risks with gas transport. The knowledge gained from this work may lead to more reliable pipeline infrastructure, reducing the likelihood of incidents similar to the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
Additionally, these lessons learned are just as relevant and critical for carbon capture and storage projects. As every industry strives to minimize their greenhouse gas footprint, the need for proven and effective storage solutions becomes essential. Hydrates provide an exciting opportunity to sequester carbon dioxide safely, helping the world meet its climate goals.
Robert P. C. Bauer and his team work with Tse on this culturally embedded research. They highlight the importance of this work for addressing urgent energy challenges at home and abroad. Their joint knowledge is directed to overcoming the divide between basic research and business applications in technology.
Future Directions
John is hopeful that his research will have an influence on how future technologies are developed. He hopes that the foundational knowledge learned will be integral to developing new solutions for the toughest industry problems.
