Compressive strength of ice-powder pellets as portable media of gas hydrate

This paper provides experimental results from an investigation to assess the compressive strength of ice-powder pellets for potential use as a solid form of gas hydrate. The mechanical strength of the pellets is one of the key parameters in designing a cost effective storage system, as well as transportation carrier ships and re-gasification processes, because the amount of BOG (boil off gas) is directly related to the size of the storage tank, the pellet size, and the shape and permeability of the pellets. Ice powder, being a convenient substitute for hydrate powder, can be fabricated into cylindrical and capsule-type shaped pellets, and the resulting mechanical strength, in terms of the stackable height, has been measured for different press forces. A procedural verification of producing and testing the ice pellets suggests some useful insights for deciding the porosity, size and shape of the pellet designs for realizing a portable media for natural gas hydrates.