Characteristics of continuous CO2 hydrate formation process using a NetMIX reactor

[Display omitted] •CO2 hydrates are formed in seconds in a continuous process using the NetMIX reactor.•The heat released is efficiently removed allowing a rapid formation of hydrates.•The CO2-water contact is very effective, allowing for a rapid formation of hydrates.•Mass and heat transfer limitations are eliminated using the NetMIX reactor. A new continuous process to obtain CO2 hydrates, which is scalable, without losing its heat removing capacity is presented. Hydrate formation is highly exothermic, and jacketed stirred tank reactors configurations have limitations in heat removal. Experiments to obtain CO2 hydrates (P = 27 bar, T = 2.7, 3.8 and 4.8 °C, CO2/water mass flow ratios of 0.02, 0.10 and 0.18) were perfomed. Hydrate formation in the NetMIX is very fast (seconds). The outstanding performance is due to the high gas–liquid contact and the capability in removing the heat released at the rate it is formed. The 0.18 CO2/water mass flow ratio formed hydrates at a higher concentration. Results suggest the gas uptake in the hydrate formed in this process is higher than those produced in batch systems. The process presented in this work is a promising alternative for the sequestration of CO2 due to the advantages of this device both in heat removal and enhanced mass transfer.