Recovery of Natural Gas From Methane Hydrate Deposits

72818S03-I Thermal dissociation of methane hydrates by the injection of a hot fluid is a potential method of recovering natural gas from hydrate deposits that are either undersea or below permafrost. However, because of heat loss to the reservoir rock and water, the injected energy can exceed the heating value of the recovered gas. This project will utilize previously developed catalytic technology to eliminate heat loss when transporting a heated fluid through perma frost or cold sea water. Phase I will construct and demonstrate a thermodynamic and economic computer model to calculate energy requirements and estimate projected costs of the proposed method. Simulation variables include hydrate composition and concentration in the rock formation, reservoir temperature and pressure, the presence of excess gas or water, etc. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The technology should enable the recovery of natural gas from the huge amount of methane hydrates estimated to exist undersea and below permafrost (some 700,000 trillion cubic feet, many times the estimate of conventional natural gas and oil deposits). Access to a new source of fuel would be provided, and leakage of methane (one of the most potent greenhouse gases) into the environment would be prevented.