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Storage of fuel gas

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6799417
A new method provides large, energy-conserving, safe, and low-cost fuel-gas storage areas beneath oceans and lakes, geographically close to the site of desired use, by storing the gas as a solid hydrate. As the fuel gas (composed principally of methane) is pumped into the lower portion of a storage vessel, it automatically forms a solid hydrate because the vessel is positioned beneath the surface of a body of water. The lower zone of the vessel is at a pressure sufficiently above atmospheric to cause solid hydrate formation from the fuel gas and water. The upper zone of the storage vessel is at a pressure lower than that of the lower zone, enough to decompose the solid hydrate to fuel gas and water in order to free the gas for use when desired.
Assignee:
Inst. of Gas Technology
Patent Number(s):
US 4147456
OSTI ID:
6799417
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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