System and method for producing methane from a methane hydrate formation

Abstract

A system for producing Methane from a Methane Hydrate formation including a completion that is disposed through a Methane Hydrate formation. An inlet of the completion disposed in the Methane Hydrate formation; and a drain for water located in a direction proximate a direction of gravity relative to the Methane Hydrate formation and gravitationally beneath the Methane Hydrate formation. A method for producing methane from a Methane Hydrate formation

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of an earlier filing date from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 334,752 filed May 11, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]Methane Hydrate exists in vast quantities throughout much of planet Earth. Methane can be liberated from Methane Hydrate if the temperature and or pressure is adjusted to permit dissociation. In recent years, operators have been trying to find ways to economically produce methane as an energy resource. Unfortunately problems have been encountered in connection with configurations and methods designed to recover this resource. One problem that is quite consistent is the reformation of hydrate within the production system causing plugs to form. This of course restricts or prevents production reducing viability of the well. The art has attempted to combat the problem by the addition of chemical species such as Ethylene Glycol,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system and method for producing methane from a methane hydrate formation. This involves drilling a wellbore through the formation and using a completion to collect methane gas and water. The system is designed to separate the methane gas from other materials as it flows through the system. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a more efficient and effective method for producing methane gas from methane hydrate formations.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately problems have been encountered in connection with configurations and methods designed to recover this resource.

One problem that is quite consistent is the reformation of hydrate within the production system causing plugs to form.

This of course restricts or prevents production reducing viability of the well.

While these work, they are costly and they are considered environmental hazards thereby requiring additional processing, which only adds more cost to the operation.

Unfortunately this method continued to suffer from hydrate reformation leaving the industry at a loss for achieving acceptable production levels.

Chemicals have a host of issues surrounding their use and separation didn't work.

As noted however, the system did not work and suffered reformation of hydrates such that chemicals are needed to make the well produce efficiently over time, with all of the inherent drawbacks of chemical use.

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