The findings were presented from laboratory investigations on the hydrate formation and dissociation processes employed to recover methane from coal mine gas. The separation process of coal mine methane (CMM) was carried out at 273.15 K under 4.00 MPa. The key process variables of gas formation rate, gas volume stored in hydrate and separation concentration were closely investigated in twelve THF-SDS-sponge-gas systems to verify the sponge effect in these hydrate-based separation processes. The gas volume stored in hydrate is calculated based on the measured gas pressure. The CH4 mole fraction in hydrate phase is measured by gas chromatography to confirm the separation efficiency. Through close examination of the overall results, it was clearly verified that sponges with volumes of 40, 60 and 80 cm(3) significantly increase gas hydrate formation rate and the gas volume stored in hydrate, and have little effect on the CH4 mole fraction in hydrate phase. The present study provides references for the application of the kinetic effect of porous sponge media in hydrate-based technology. This will contribute to CMM utilization and to benefit for local and global environment.