While at 233 and 243 K, stepwise depressurization leads to the attainment of new equilibria within a matter of 1-2 hours, dissociation rates are significantly slower at 253 K, where even waiting periods of more than 24 hours did not yield new equilibria. Thus, at 253 K, stepwise pressurization is the only viable route for reaching equilibrium within less than 2 hours. Such retarded dissociation rates at relatively higher temperatures are indicative of self-preservation. This phenomenon is well-established for CO 2 hydrates but rarely considered in the context of HBCC, although its effect complicates the regeneration of the CO 2 from the hydrate significantly.