U.S. patent application number 10/410680 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-20 for procedure and the apparatus for the extraction of methane gas from the sea bottom.
Invention is credited to Baciu, Petru.
Application Number | 20030214175 10/410680 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29417883 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030214175 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baciu, Petru |
November 20, 2003 |
Procedure and the apparatus for the extraction of methane gas from
the sea bottom
Abstract
The present invention is referring to a procedure and a
apparatus of extraction of methane gas from the bottom of the sea,
consigned to the extraction of methane gas from marine sediments
found in the sea's and ocean's depthless and with which came to
produce in the end, methane liquefied gas. The procedure, in
accordance with the invention consists of lowering a take out
enclosure to a depth of over 500 m., followed by a take out of a
quantity of cryohydrate sediment from the bottom of the sea and the
elevation of enclosure until is reached a level at which the water
pressure and its temperature create conditions which allowed the
beginning of a process of releasing of methane gas from cryohydrate
crystals. The following operation is the releasing of methane from
the entire quantity of take out cryohydrate, methane that is
collected in a room from where is raised through a tube and
captured into an enclosure and then liquefied. The remaining
sediments without methane are returned to the ocean's floor by
gravity. The apparatus, conform to the invention, is composed of
some guiding arms B positioned crosswise, and on which a platform A
is sitting and from a central anchor C at which cylindrical corp 2
are assembled by superior ends of some portion c of the mentioned
arms B, some collection cages D being suspended of arms B by some
ropes 5, 6, 13 and 14 help, and anchor C in which is incorporated
an axial-radial bearing 33, being connected by an intermediary rope
21 at the sea bottom.
Inventors: |
Baciu, Petru; (Woodside,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PETRU BACIU
31-20 54th STREET APT. 5-K
WOODSIDE
NY
11377
US
|
Family ID: |
29417883 |
Appl. No.: |
10/410680 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
299/8 ;
299/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 41/0099 20200501;
E02F 7/005 20130101; E21C 45/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
299/8 ;
299/9 |
International
Class: |
E02F 007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 20, 2002 |
RO |
A/00629 |
Claims
1. Procedure of extraction of methane gas of the sea bottom,
characterized by so that: in a first operation, consists of
lowering of a take out enclosure to the depths of over 500 m. from
the sea surface, followed by taking out a quantity of cryohydrate
sediment of the bottom of the sea and lifting of the enclosure
which contain the cryohydrate until reaching of a level at which
the water pressure and its temperature created conditions which
permit the beginning of process of releasing methane gas from
cryohydrate crystals, the following operation being the releasing
of entire quantity of methane gas from cryohydrate, by keeping at
this level the enclosure. The methane gas being collected because
difference of density between water and gas at upper side of
enclosure and which then the methane is risen towards water surface
trough a tube and is captured in a cryogenic system, while then
liquefied and stored. The remaining sediments without methane are
returned to the ocean's floor by gravity.
2. Procedure of the extraction of methane gas of the sea bottom
according claim 1, characterized by so that, the lifting of
enclosure with cryohydrate is done until reaching a level at which
the pressure of water is less then 47.5 barr and its temperature is
more than 7 degrees Celsius.
3. Procedure of the extraction of methane gas of the sea bottom,
according claim 1, characterized by so that, the halting of
enclosure's ascent at a level at which the methane's release
process can take place is ordered by the signal of presence of a
pocket of methane gas collected at the upper part of the
enclosure.
4. Apparatus of the extraction of methane gas of the sea bottom
characterized by so that, is composed from some guiding arms B,
positioned in crosswise and on which a platform A is sitting and
from a central anchor C at which cylindrical corp 2 are assembled
through superior ends of c portions the mentioned arms B, some
cages D being suspended on arms B with the help of ropes 5, 6, 13
and 14 while anchor C being connected through a rope 21 to the sea
bottom.
5. An apparatus of the extraction of methane gas of the sea bottom,
according claim 4, characterized by so that, the work platform A is
of a square shape and has in the central part an opening a also
square, on it being placed some electrical trolleys 7, 8, 11 and
12, positioned in the zones of over the arms B, and is provided
with a cryogenic system for liquefaction and depositing of the
methane gas 9 and with a group electrogen Diesel 10 and along with
the sides of opening a collection conduit 16 connected to the
cryogenic system 9.
6. An apparatus of the extraction of methane gas of the sea bottom,
according claim 4, characterized by so that, the guiding arms B
being provided with a portion b horizontally which extends until
the opening zone a followed by a inclined portion c which exceed in
high the platform A surface, their disposition being radial and
symmetric towards the anchor C while their supporting to the sea
surface being achieved by the help of floating caissons 3.
7. An apparatus of the extraction of methane gas of the sea bottom,
according claim 6, characterized by so that, on the longerons of
portions b and c of arms B guide from one end to the other some
rolls blocks 4 on which rolling the ropes 5 and 6 and which permit
the modification of the radial position of cages D and the support
of flexible conduits 15 with the help of ropes 13 and respective
14, the circular movement of cages D is achieved by the help of
some propellers 17, 18, 19 and 20 which are electrical powered and
placed at the ends of arms B and which allow the rotation of entire
ensemble.
8. An apparatus of the extraction of methane gas of the sea bottom,
according claim 4, characterized by so that, under the central
anchor C is positioned a hoist 23 with which is making the
stretching of rope 21 until can be reached the submerged under sea
level of arms B. The inferior end of mentioned rope 21 being
anchored by some counterweights 22.
9. An apparatus of the extraction of methane gas of the sea bottom,
according claim 4, characterized by so that, the mentioned cages D
are provided a collected room 24 parallelepiped, continued at
superior part with a collecting bell 25 of pyramidal shape and at
the inferior part with some cylindrical sectors 26 and 27, the
exterior walls of room 24 being equipped with some rolls wills 28
and 29 over which are passing some ends of rope 5 and then tied by
some arms 30 connected with sectors 26 and 27.
10. An apparatus of the extraction of methane gas of the sea
bottom, according claim 9, characterized by so that, the
cylindrical sectors 26 and 27 are joined to room 24 and can be
rotated with the help of some springs e and ropes 5 at 90 degrees
around of a horizontal axis, so that when they are opened penetrate
inside of room 24 and are provided at the inferior half with some
portions perforated g.
11. An apparatus of extraction of methane gas of the sea bottom,
according claim 9, characterized by so that, the collected bell 25
is equipped at upper part with a sleeve h at which is connected the
inferior end of conduit 15 and at interior with a gas detector 34.
Description
[0001] The present invention is referring to a procedure and to an
apparatus destined for the extraction of the methane gas from
marine sediments found within the sea's and ocean's bottom and
which in the end produces liquefied methane gas.
[0002] It is known that in aquatic medium, the animals and vegetal
remains fall on the bottom and accumulate in a stratum. These
organic sediments enter into a process of putrefaction, due to the
presence of anaerobic microorganisms and produce methane gas. When
this process takes place at depths of over 500 m., therefore at
pressures of over 50 barr and temperatures below 3-7.degree. C.,
the methane is found in the stabile state, presents itself enclosed
in the form of ice crystals known under the name of cryohydrate or
gas hydrate. The cryohydrate brought in the conditions of pressure
lower than 47.2 barr and temperature greater than 7.degree. C. will
release methane gas.
[0003] The sediments found on the bottom of the oceans and seas can
be presented themselves, depending of period of formation, in an
emulsion, semisolid or even solid state.
[0004] It is also known the fact that the emission of methane gas
from the bottom of the sea and oceans sediments makes the pollution
of the Earth's atmosphere and that this process can not be
hindered.
[0005] Are not known any extraction procedures of methane gas from
marine sediments of cryohydrate like the present one. Are not known
any extraction apparatus of methane gas from cryohydrate sediments
from the oceans bottoms like the one shown by this invention.
[0006] The problem that the invention resolve is the set-up
procedure and an apparatus to extract the methane gas from the sea
bottom, by modification of the environmental conditions of
cryohydrate.
[0007] The process of extracting methane gas from the sea's bottom
according to the invention, in a first operation, consists of
descent of a take out enclosure from the sea's surface up to over
500 m. deepness, followed by the take out of a certain quantity of
cryohydrate sediments from the sea's bottom and the cryohydrate
enclosure content lifted up to a level at which the water's
pressure and temperature create conditions which allow the
gazeification of the entire quantity of cryohydrate crystals in
methane gas. The methane gas is collected, because of the
difference of density, at the upper part of the enclosure and from
where, after that is arising towards of water's surface through a
tube and is captured in an enclosure where then is liquefied and
stored. The lifting of enclosure with cryohydrate is done to a
level at which the water's pressure is less than 47.5 barr and its
temperature is greater than
[0008] 7.degree. C. The lifting of the enclosure stops at a level
at which the process of gazeification can be started where the
presence of methane gas pocket collected to the upper portion of
enclosure is detected.
[0009] The apparatus, according to the procedure, consists of a
work platform, guiding arms set-up in crosswise and on which a work
platform is sitting and from a central anchor, an cylindrical
device which is connected at the superior ends of certain portions
of mentioned arms, some collection cages being suspended by the
guiding arms with the help of some ropes, while the central anchor
by way of a rope being binded to the bottom of the sea. The work
platform is square shaped and has in central portion a square
opening. The platform is placed in area over the guiding arms. The
platform is provided with some electrical trolleys, a cryogenic
system for liquefaction and depositing of the methane gas and with
an electrogenic Diesel group and a collector conduit connected to
the cryogenic system along aside of square opening. The guiding
arms are provided with a portion of horizontal part, which extends
until the square-opening zone, continued by sloping portion, which
exceeds in height the platform's surface. The guiding arms are
set-up radial and symmetrically in relation with the central anchor
and kept them at the sea's surface with the help of floating
caissons. On the horizontal longerons and sloping portion of
guiding arms slid from one end to the other blocks of guiding rolls
on which the ropes are rolling up changing the radial position of
the collection cages and to uphold the flexible conduits. The
movement on circular direction of cages is being done with the help
of electric driving propellers, which are located at the end of
guiding arms, and which make the turning of entire ensemble. Under
the central anchor is positioned a hoist with which is done the
rope stretch until the guiding arms are submerged under the sea
level, the inferior end of the mentioned rope being anchored with
counterweights to the bottom of the sea. The mentioned cages
consist of a parallelepiped room, which is continued at superior
side with a pyramidal collector like a bell, and at the inferior
side with some cylindrical sectors. The room's walls have in
exterior some roles over which are passed some ends of the rope and
then connected with some arms with counterweights connected with
the semicylindrical sectors. The semicylindrical sectors are
jointed to the cage's body and can be rotate at 90 degrees around a
horizontal axis in such a way that, when they are open, they
penetrate inside the cage's body. The collector bell has at the
upper side a sleeve, which is a joint with the inferior ends of a
flexible pipe. The collector, in its interior has a gas
detector.
[0010] By using the invention, two main achievements are
accomplished:
[0011] The use of these huge resources of energy which can reduce
the effects of the energy crises.
[0012] The diminution of the atmosphere's pollution.
[0013] Following is an example of the invention's making in
connection with FIGS. 1 to 10 which represent:
[0014] FIG. 1 lateral view of the apparatus for the extraction of
the methane gas from the sea bottom, in conformity with the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 view from above, from FIG. 1
[0016] FIG. 3 lateral view, partial, of the apparatus for the
methane gas extraction from the sea bottom, in conformity with the
invention, at the time when the collecting cage is lifted above the
sea level.
[0017] FIG. 4 view from above, from FIG. 3
[0018] FIG. 5 section with a plane 5-5 from FIG. 3
[0019] FIG. 6 frontal view of the collecting cage, in conformity
with the invention
[0020] FIG. 7 view from above, from FIG. 6
[0021] FIG. 8 laterally view I-I from FIG. 6
[0022] FIG. 9 section with a plane II-II, from FIG. 6
[0023] FIG. 10 schematic representation of the collecting cage,
where by reaching the pressure and temperature conditions, takes
place the process of releasing methane gas from cryohydrate.
[0024] The process of methane gas extraction from the sea bottom,
in conformity with the invention, consists, in a first operation,
in the descent of a taking of enclosure, from the sea surface until
depths over 500 m, where the pressures are over 50 barr and the
temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius and where the marine sediments
of cryohydrate are found, followed by the second operation, period
in which takes place the taking of a quantity of cryohydrate
sediment from the sea's bottom.
[0025] The following operation consists in lifting the enclosure
that contains the taking out of cryohydrate to the surface, until
is reached a level where the pressure of water is below 47.5 barr,
while temperature is greater than 7 degrees Celsius, condition
which allows the beginning of the process of eliberating of methane
gas from cryohydrate crystals. The halting of the cage's ascent to
a level at which the eliberating process is possible to take place
is ordered by the presence of methane gas pocket in the upper part
of the cage, signaled by a detector.
[0026] Once the halt is ordered, the cage's position is maintained
until all quantity of taking out of cryohydrate is transformed in
methane gas which, due to the difference in density, the methane
gas is collected in the upper part of the enclosure and which then
the methane is arising through a tube towards the water's
surface.
[0027] In the entire, this time the methane gas released and
conducted through a tube to the sea surface is captured in an
enclosure of the sea's surface.
[0028] In the next stage, takes place the liquefaction and
collection of the methane gas.
[0029] The last stage in the process, conforming to the invention,
involves the transfer of the liquefied methane gas to site to where
it will be stored. The sediments separated from methane return to
the ocean's floor by gravity.
[0030] The extraction apparatus of methane gas from the bottom of
the sea, conforming to the invention, consists of some arms for
guiding B which are positioned crosswise and on which a platform A
leans and from a central anchor C where the arms B are
assembled.
[0031] The platform A is located at a sufficient height above sea's
level so that the water's waves action do not impede the activity
of working personnel and the operation of the equipment placed
there. The platform has a square shape and is provided with a
central opening also square. The platform A is rigidified with the
help of some beams, pillars and diagonals but all these
construction details are not showed being themselves known. The
interior and exterior sides of platform A are surrounded with some
balustrades 1 in order to protect the working personnel.
[0032] The arms B which are made from longerons and lattices, has
each a horizontal portion b which extends to the opening zone a and
is followed by a curved portion and then an inclined portion c that
surpasses the platform's surface A. The upper ends of portion c are
rigidly assembled with a cylindrical body 2 of the anchor C. The
arms B are arranged radially and symmetrically related to the
anchor C being maintained at sea level by some floating caissons 3
that are calculated so that they are able to take over the static
and dynamic load of apparatus, the waves and wind, conforming to
the invention.
[0033] On the longerons of arms B glide from one end to the other
some blocks of guiding rolls 4 on which are rolling some ropes 5
and 6 with the purpose of vertical maneuvering of some collection
cages D and the collection operations of marine cryohydrate
sediments. The ropes 5 and 6 action is accomplished with the help
of electrical trolleys 7 and 8 placed on A platform, in the upper B
arms zone, where is all the technological equipment required for
the extraction process and for working personnel. Cryogenic system
for liquefaction and storage of methane gas 9 and an electrogen
group Diesel 10 are also placed on platform A. Beside these, on
platform A should be a control center room of the apparatus,
conform to the invention, an electrical supplying system for all
equipment and needs, an office, a bedroom, a buffet and a sanitary
group.
[0034] In the vicinity of 7 and 8 trolleys on the platform A are
also placed and some electrical trolleys 11 and 12 which by the
help of 13 and 14 ropes and of some not shown devices allowed the
modification of the radial position of cages D related of axis dd
and the sustaining of flexible conduits 15 through which the
methane gas released in cages D is rised to a collector conduit 16
connected to the above mentioned system 9.
[0035] The apparatus construction conforming to the invention was
so draft that to permit the maneuvering of cages D in radial,
vertical and horizontal directions, and the drawing out of cages
from the water. Along the inclined portion c of arms B and in the
zone of opening a of the platform A for the current cleaning and
maintenance operation. And as well for the period when is requested
the transportation of apparatus from one to other place, conforming
to the invention.
[0036] In regards with cages D circular direction motion, meaning
around axes dd, this movement is being done by some propellers 17
and 18 acted by electromotors, placed diametrical opposed, to the
ends of arms B so that to create a rotating coupling for entire
ensemble made by arms B and platform A and some propellers 19 and
20 placed at the other arms ends B so that to create break coupling
which to allow to choose the desired position of the apparatus,
conforming to the invention.
[0037] In order that the entire apparatus, conforming to the
invention not to be taken away from the established place by the
marine current, the sea's waves or by the winds, it is anchored by
the sea's bottom through a rope 21 sized accordingly for the
efforts at which is facing and connected to the inferior end with
some counterweights 22 oversized for ensuring a good stability.
[0038] By stretching the rope 21 with the help of a hoist 23 the
apparatus arms B can be sunken below sea's level, achieving in this
way the elimination of them displacement caused by the waves
force.
[0039] When the position of the apparatus is moved in other
location, conforming to the invention, can be recuperated the
inferior portion of the rope 21 and counterweights 22, depending of
the showed interest for these elements and their operation
recuperation cost.
[0040] The D cages are composed from parallelipipedic body 24
continued at superior portion in a pyramid-shaped collection bell
25 and provided at the inferior portion with an axle with some
springs e and with some cylindrical sector 26 and 27. The lateral
walls of the body 24 are provided in exterior with some roll wills
28 and 29 over which are passing some ends of rope 5 and then tied
to some arms with counterweight 30. Because of this construction by
pulling the rope 5 the sectors 26 and 27 which are joined through
bearings, springs e and shaft ff will rotate 90 degrees in opposite
directions, around the horizontal shaft ff opening and closing in
this way the entrance to the interior of body 24. In this situation
the cages D are ready for operation.
[0041] The inferior halves of sector 26 and 27 are provided with
some perforate sectors g whose orifices permit the separating of
cryohydrate crystals from the sea's water.
[0042] The collection bell 25 is provided with a sleeve h in
uppermost part to which the inferior end of flexible conduit 15
with rope 14 is joined. Above and on exterior ends of room 24 are
provided rolls 31 for rolling rope's 5 ends.
[0043] The flexible conduits 15 are submerged in water with a large
portion but partial is placed in air above the water surface until
to the collection conduit 16. Because the conduits 15 are filled
with water on their entire portion from cages D and up to the sea's
surface, the pressure and temperature at which are submitted on
both sides of their walls are equals at each section.
[0044] It is very important that the ascent of the methane gas
trough conduits 15 to be done without hydraulic resistance and
without the possibility of forming of a hydraulic vane, which can
impede the gas's ascent and can lead to the gas's dissipation.
[0045] The conduits 15 are tied, at their submerged portions, with
some rings not shown, to the rope 14 through which, helped by
trolleys 12 the conduits 15 will be maintained in a tension
state.
[0046] For making the apparatus operational, conforming to the
invention, the cryohydrate deposit is determined from the sea's
level or from deepness by known methods, with the help of which the
bottom of the sea profile and the eventually fauna and flora can be
established.
[0047] In accordance to the cryohydrate deposit characteristics,
the place and the action ray, where apparatus to be anchored is
established, conforming to the invention. The exterior of arms B
ends are bridled between them with the purpose of construction
rigidness, by some ropes 32. The body 2 of the anchor C houses
axial-radial pressure bearing 33, which permits the rotation of the
entire installation around the vertical axis dd.
[0048] The cages D by the help of electrical trolleys 7 are
launched towards sea bottom i at touching of cryohydrate deposit j
their semicylindrical sectors 26 and 27 have to be open completely
by maneuvering the electrical trolleys 8. When reaching of a
certain depth in cryogenic deposit j the cages D advance ceases and
with the help of springs C trolleys 8 and of arms 30 from ends of
the rope 5 the closing of sectors 26 and 27 is done, operation
which leads to the taking out a quantity of cryohydrate from
deposit j.
[0049] The cages D loaded with cryohydrate are lifted to the
surface using trolleys 7.
[0050] The ascent of cages D continues until is reached a level
were the pressure of water becomes to be less than in the cryogenic
deposit pressure, and the temperature surpasses 7 degrees Celsius,
ensuring the gradual release of methane gas from collected
cryohydrate. A gas detector 34 is provided in the superior portion
of bell 25, which at methane gas detection signals halting of cage
D.
[0051] The gas that is formed, having a lower density that the
water rises, and is collected under the bell 25 and further is
rised trough conduit 15 towards the cryogenic system 9. After the
entire quantity of the cryohydrate collected in cages D release the
methane gas, the opening of sectors 26 and 27 is signaled the
remaining sediments without methane are returned to the ocean's
floor and now repeated descent of cages D into the sediment deposit
is started. In this way the collection cycle is repeated until the
depletion of the entire deposit in the area where the apparatus
conforming to the invention was placed.
[0052] The position of cages D towards axis dd can be modified in a
radial direction with the help of trolleys 11 and on its
circumference using propellers 17, 18, 19 and 20, to assure
coverage of the entire deposit area.
* * * * *