Method for natural gas production
US7343971B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 2005 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02C20/40
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and system for dissociating methane hydrate deposits in-situ is provided wherein an oxidizer fluid and a supply of fuel, both at a pressure higher than that of the methane hydrate deposit, are supplied and delivered to the methane hydrate deposit. The fuel is combusted downhole by reacting it with the oxidizer fluid to provide combustion products. The combustion products are placed in contact with a diluent fluid to produce a heated product fluid. The heated product fluid is injected into the methane hydrate deposit whereby methane is dissociated from the methane hydrate and made available for extraction. In addition, carbon dioxide may be made available to promote the formation of carbon dioxide hydrates from the liberated methane hydrate water.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.