A method for the separation of non-hydrocarbon gases from hydrocarbon gases,
the
method comprising the steps of: adding water and an agent adapted to reduce the
interfacial tension between water and hydrocarbons to a first stream of desired
hydrocarbon and undesired non-hydrocarbon gases to form a gas-agent-water mixture;
pressurising the gas-agent-water mixture; and cooling the gas-water-agent mixture
to initiate the formation of a hydrate richer in desired hydrocarbons and leaner
in undesired non-hydrocarbons relative to the first stream of desired hydrocarbon
and undesired non-hydrocarbon gases.
