Mining or in situ disintegration of hard material – With separation of materials – Separation below surface of earth or water
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-15
2001-10-09
Dang, Hoang (Department: 3672)
Mining or in situ disintegration of hard material
With separation of materials
Separation below surface of earth or water
C299S009000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06299256
ABSTRACT:
FIELD AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to recovering a gas from the ocean floor, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for mining, extracting and recovering methane gas from methane hydrate formations located on the ocean floor.
Gas hydrates are crystalline substances composed of water and gas, mainly containing methane, where a solid-water lattice encloses the gas molecules in a cage-like structure, or clathrate. Methane hydrates are predominantly found on the ocean floor around the continental margins. They are found to exist because of cold, high-pressure deep-water conditions. Methane hydrates are a potential source for fuel energy. However, the geological distribution and availability of this material is still under study while methods to recover the resource are only beginning to be considered.
Although methane hydrates are abundantly found in nature, its implications as a source of energy and impact on the environment have not yet been sufficiently understood. As a result, the recovery of methane from the gas hydrates has not yet been fully explored. Although a few techniques for mining and recovery of gas hydrates are conventionally utilized, these techniques are not filly satisfactory.
In view of the above, there is a need for providing a simple technique to extract gas hydrates with a minimum of environmental damage and technological need.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The principal object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for recovering a gas from a gas hydrate formation located on the ocean floor that causes minimum adverse environmental implications.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for recovering a gas from a gas hydrate located on the ocean floor that does not require advanced or sophisticated technological know-how and equipment.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for recovering methane as a source of fuel or energy for use in various industries.
In accordance with the invention, an apparatus is provided which includes a flexible cover, a plurality of steerable base members secured to the cover, and a steerable mining module. A suitable source for inflating the cover over the gas hydrate deposit is provided. The mining module, positioned on the gas hydrate deposit, is preferably connected to the cover by a control cable. A gas retrieval conduit or hose extends upwardly from the cover to be connected to a support ship on the ocean surface.
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Caress Virginia B.
Dang Hoang
Durkis James C.
Gottlieb Paul A.
The United States of America as represented by the Department of
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