Production of small scale CO2‐CH4 hydrate samples, simulating natural deposits after replacement processes and used for Raman analyses

Since 1980, the recovery of methane from natural hydrate reservoirs, was proposed to be applied in conjunction with the injection of carbon dioxide, in order to improve the recovery of methane, obtain a theoretically carbon neutral energy source and prevent the dissociation of water cages and the consequent deformation of soils. Being the offshore deposits sited at relatively high depths in the continental margins, the possibility of studying the replacement process in academic laboratories is crucial for the development of innovative and effective strategies. In this regard, this article deals with the production of samples which approximate the composition and morphology of natural and porous sediment containing CO2‐CH4 hydrates (post replacement analyses). The casing was realized via 3‐D printing, to ensure the reproducibility and similarity of samples.