Substantially self-powered method and apparatus for recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-containing solid hydrates

Patent · 01 January 1983

OSTI ID:864508

Elliott, Guy R. B. ^[1]; Barraclough, Bruce L ^[2]; Vanderborgh, Nicholas E ^[1]

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1. Los Alamos, NM
2. Santa Fe, NM

A method and apparatus are provided for producing gaseous hydrocarbons from formations comprising solid hydrocarbon hydrates located under either a body of land or a body of water. The vast natural resources of such hydrocarbon hydrates can thus now be economically mined. Relatively warm brine or water is brought down from an elevation above that of the hydrates through a portion of the apparatus and passes in contact with the hydrates, thus melting them. The liquid then continues up another portion of the apparatus, carrying entrained hydrocarbon vapors in the form of bubbles, which can easily be separated from the liquid. After a short startup procedure, the process and apparatus are substantially self-powered.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4376462
• OSTI ID: 864508
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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