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US 5,473,904 AGranted
Method and apparatus for generating, transporting and dissociating gas hydrates
AssigneeNew Mexico Tech Research Foundation
InventorsBoyun Guo, Robert E. Bretz, Robert L. Lee
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for generating, transporting and dissociating gas hydrates are disclosed. The preferred apparatus includes a mobile tank initially containing liquid water. Compressed hydrate-forming gas is combined in a pipe with the liquid water under locally supercooled conditions. The formed gas hydrate is blown into the mobile tank for transport and eventual consumption.
Claims20
A method of forming clathrate hydrate comprising the steps of:
- a) pressurizing a hydrate-forming gas;
- b) cooling liquid water below the gas-water-hydrate equilibrium curve;
- c) combining the hydrate-forming gas and the liquid water while locally supercooling the gas;
- and
- d) thereby forming a clathrate hydrate.
2 more elements
Apparatus for forming clathrate hydrate comprising:
- means for pressurizing a hydrate-forming gas;
- means for cooling liquid water below the gas-water-hydrate equilibrium curve;
- and
- means for combining said hydrate-forming gas and said liquid water while locally supercooling said gas;
- wherein clathrate hydrate is thereby formed.
2 more elements
Apparatus for forming clathrate hydrates comprising:
- means comprising a mobile tank for storing and transporting pressurized liquid water;
- means for pumping said liquid water into a chiller;
- means for compressing and feeding hydrate-forming gas into said chiller;
- means for locally supercooling said hydrate-forming gas;
- means for combining said liquid water and said hydrate-forming gas to form clathrate hydrates;
- and
- means for blowing said clathrate hydrates into said mobile tank.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.