Apparatus for recovering natural gas in a mine

Patent · Tue Mar 23 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:5243717

Hvizdos, L J

Method and apparatus are disclosed for the recovery and removal of natural gas from a mine by liquefying and collecting the gas within the mine, and then transporting the liquified gas to the surface in a mobile tank. Natural gas is withdrawn from bore holes in a coal mine and liquefied using liquid nitrogen. A unique apparatus permits both the liquid nitrogen and the liquefied natural gas to be contained within a same insulated tank, enhancing the portable characteristics. Liquid nitrogen and its vapor are used to cool the natural gas so as to separate water and co2. Means are disclosed for controlling the cooling by the cryogenic liquid by regulating the venting flow rate of its vapor in response to the pressure of the liquefied natural gas. The disclosed system eliminates the need for extensive piping and on-site pumping associated with conventional degasification processes.

• Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals Inc
• Patent Number(s): US 4320627
• OSTI ID: 5243717
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
012000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Mining
03 NATURAL GAS
030300 -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
ALKANES
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
COAL MINES
CONTAINERS
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
DEGASSING
ELEMENTS
ENERGY SOURCES
FLOW RATE
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HYDROCARBONS
IN-SITU LIQUEFACTION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
LIQUEFACTION
MATERIALS
METHANE
MINES
NATURAL GAS
NITROGEN
NONMETALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PIPES
PROCESSING
REMOVAL
TANKS
THERMAL INSULATION
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
TRANSPORT
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES