Substantially self-powered method and apparatus for recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-containing solid hydrates
Patent 4376462 Issued on March 15, 1983. Estimated Expiration Date: 
February 19, 2001. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
February 19, 2001. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 1140982 2229539 3782468 Gas recovery from hydrate reservoirs 4090564 Method for increasing the recovery of natural gas from a geo-pressured aquifer Recovery of dry steam from geothermal brine Aquifer recharge using natural energy In situ recovery of gaseous hydrocarbons and steam Patent #: 4262747 InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 06/235775 filed on 02/19/1981US Classes:166/267, Separating outside of well166/265, Separating material entering well166/302, Heating, cooling or insulating166/57WITH HEATING, REFRIGERATING OR HEAT INSULATING MEANSExaminersPrimary: Leppink, James A.Assistant: Suchfield, George A. Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassesE21B 43/34 (20060101)E21B 43/12 (20060101) E21B 43/00 (20060101) E21B 43/24 (20060101) E21B 43/285 (20060101) E21B 43/36 (20060101) E21B 43/38 (20060101) E21B 43/16 (20060101) AbstractA method and apparatus are provided for producing gaseous hydrocarbons from formations comprising solid hydrocarbon hydrates located under either a body of land or a body of water. The vast natural resources of such hydrocarbon hydrates can thus now be economically mined. Relatively warm brine or water is brought down from an elevation above that of the hydrates through a portion of the apparatus and passes in contact with the hydrates, thus melting them. The liquid then continues up another portion of the apparatus, carrying entrained hydrocarbon vapors in the form of bubbles, which can easily be separated from the liquid. After a short startup procedure, the process and apparatus are substantially self-powered.Other References
Field of SearchSeparating material entering wellSeparating outside of well Heating, cooling or insulating Placing preheated fluid into formation Fluid enters and leaves well at spaced zones Including non-expulsive material placed in well Operating valve, closure, or changeable restrictor in a well WITH HEATING, REFRIGERATING OR HEAT INSULATING MEANS | |
