The effect of hydrate formation on CO{sub 2} jet instability

Disposal of captured CO{sub 2} in the deep ocean or in underground aquifers currently is being considered as a means to control atmospheric levels of this greenhouse gas. Long-term sequestration demands that CO{sub 2} be released at depths where water temperatures and pressures foster the formation of a solid hydrate phase. Previous theoretical and experimental studies have demonstrated that the kinetics of formation of the CO{sub 2} hydrate can proceed rapidly, with characteristic times of the order of a second. Under certain liquid CO{sub 2} jet discharge scenarios, hydrate formation may have important implications related to jet instability. An analysis was performed to assess the nature and magnitude of these effects. It was determined that hydrate formation may pose problems under certain discharge conditions.