Methane Solubility and Methane Storage in Suitable Liquid Hydrocarbon Mixtures

A study was done of the solubility of CH₄, methane, the principal component of natural gas in a selection of light hydrocarbon mixtures from C₁₆ down to C₂ with emphasis on the C₂ to C₅ region. It was found that about 70% more methane could be stored in a tank already full of an appropriate liquid than in an empty tank at the same temperature and pressure. There were no detectable thermal effects. The system also removes the danger of an explosion on tank rupture.