Stranded Gas Clathrate Hydrate Formation in Deep Ocean
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting and transporting stranded gas from deep ocean environments are hazardous, complicated, and expensive due to the exothermic nature of the conversion process, and existing technologies struggle to efficiently form and transport natural gas clathrate hydrates under high pressure and low temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for extracting stranded gas, such as natural gas or hydrogen, from subterranean environments by drilling into the ocean floor, separating oil and gas phases, converting the gas into solid clathrate hydrates using in situ high pressure and low temperature conditions, and transporting these hydrates in collapsible, neutrally buoyant containers to the surface for re-gasification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If natural gas is converted to clathrate hydrates using conventional high pressure and temperature processing, then clathrate formation is achieved, but the process becomes hazardous, complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters from conventional high temperature and pressure to low temperature (utilizing deep ocean natural cooling) and moderate pressure conditions, enabling safe and simple clathrate formation directly in the deep ocean environment
Solution Approach 2:
The deep ocean environment provides self-cooling through its naturally low temperature, eliminating the need for external cooling systems and complex temperature control mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall conversion process
2Productivity
If clathrate hydrates are formed under high pressure conditions, then formation efficiency is improved, but transportation and handling become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs clathrate formation preliminarily in the deep ocean where natural pressure and temperature conditions are favorable, creating ready-to-transport clathrate structures before retrieval, thus avoiding the need to maintain high pressure during transportation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure application systems with the natural hydrostatic pressure of the deep ocean environment, eliminating complex pressure maintenance equipment and simplifying transportation requirements
3Quantity of substance
If deep ocean resources are extracted using traditional methods, then resource recovery is achieved, but environmental harm and operational hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful stranded gas into beneficial clathrate hydrates that can be safely transported and utilized, transforming an environmental liability into a resource asset while minimizing ecological disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The deep ocean environment serves as a naturally inert and contained setting for clathrate formation and storage, preventing premature gas release and reducing environmental hazards associated with traditional extraction and transportation methods
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly extraction and transportation of stranded gas by leveraging the deep ocean's conditions for clathrate formation, utilizing the heat generated for additional resource recovery and minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
Gas clathrate hydrates are nonstoichiometric crystalline solids formed from the reaction of water and gas under certain conditions of relatively high pressure and low temperature
Implementation Method 2
The exothermic nature of the conversion process and the requirement for high pressure and temperature make the process hazardous, complicated and expensive
Implementation Method 3
utilizing the heat generated for additional resource recovery
Implementation Method 4
At such pressures and depths, methane gas when bubbled into sea water very quickly forms small MCH spheres and flakes
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a method and system for extracting stranded gas (such as natural gas or hydrogen) or a mixture of oil and natural gas from a subterranean environment such as beneath the ocean floor and converting it into a solid hydrate such as a clathrate featuring a) extracting stranded gas (such as natural gas or hydrogen) or a mixture of oil and natural gas; b) optionally separating the natural gas from the mixture of oil and natural gas in a first tank or vessel; c) transporting the stranded gas to a second tank or vessel; d) introducing sea water into the second tank or vessel; e) mixing the stranded gas and water to form a clathrate hydrate/water slurry; f) removing excess water from the clathrate hydrate slurry to form a solid comprising a clathrate hydrate; and g) processing the solid comprising a clathrate hydrate into a transportable form; and h) optionally collecting the gas into a transportable vessel.