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Methane extraction method and apparatus using high-energy diode lasers or diode-pumped solid state lasers

a diode laser and laser technology, applied in the direction of drilling machines and methods, insulation, drilling holes/well accessories, etc., can solve the problems of increasing energy costs, no cost-effective method of extracting and the possibility of cost-effective extraction of methane from methane hydra

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-11-22
NORTHROP GRUMAN CORP
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  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018]Preferably, the laser beam is produced with a diode laser, which is more efficient.

Problems solved by technology

Currently, there is no cost-effective method of extracting methane from methane hydrate.
However, as the cost of energy increases, extraction of methane from methane hydrate may become cost-effective.
However, currently proposed methods have various drawbacks that reduce their cost-effectiveness.
Currently, none of these methods is considered to be commercially viable.
However, such a method would require large storage structures for the chemicals that fuel the laser.
Also, exhaust from the laser would create a significant environmental hazard.
Therefore, large scale scrubbing equipment would be required.
Further, current COILs operate continuously for only a few minutes, which is insufficient for large-scale methane extraction.

Method used

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  • Methane extraction method and apparatus using high-energy diode lasers or diode-pumped solid state lasers
  • Methane extraction method and apparatus using high-energy diode lasers or diode-pumped solid state lasers
  • Methane extraction method and apparatus using high-energy diode lasers or diode-pumped solid state lasers

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Embodiment Construction

[0029]FIG. 1 shows a methane extraction apparatus performing a vertical extraction operation in a body of water 101. A platform 102 is located at the water level of the body of water 101, such as the ocean. Beneath a crust 107, which forms the floor of the body of water 101 is a layer, or strata, of methane hydrate 108. An electric power plant 103 is located on the platform 102. A high-power laser 104 (diode laser or solid state laser that is pumped by a diode laser) is located on the platform as shown. Although FIG. 1 shows an extraction operation on water, the extraction can take place on dry land or ice with a drilling rig (not illustrated) that includes equipment similar to that located on the platform 102.

[0030]Extending from the platform 102 to the methane hydrate strata is a laser extractor tool 113, which includes a laser light-carrying optic fiber bundle 109, a laser head assembly 114 and a conduit 105, for transporting gas mixture 112 (methane and steam) to the platform 10...

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for extracting methane gas from methane hydrate. The method includes heating the methane hydrate with a laser apparatus. The laser apparatus includes a diode laser or a solid state laser that is pumped with a diode laser. The laser is guided to a working end of a tool with a fiber optic bundle. The tool is guided to heat the methane hydrate with the laser, which emanates from a beam expander at the working end of the tool. The tool can be modified for removing obstructions of methane hydrate in pipelines. Also, the tool can be modified for extracting methane from mined methane hydrate, which is in a container. The characteristics of diode lasers or diode-pumped solid state lasers such as efficiency, size, nature of operation, environmental impact and durability, make methane gas extraction from methane hydrate economically feasible.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application No. 60 / 800,408, which was filed on May 16, 2006 and which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates in general to a method and apparatus for methane extraction, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for extracting methane from methane hydrate using high-energy diode lasers or solid state lasers that are pumped with diode lasers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]At various locations around the world, there are large supplies of methane gas in the solid, frozen form of methane hydrate. Beneath the ocean bed, at various depths, methane hydrate deposits are estimated at many trillions of cubic meters. Currently, there is no cost-effective method of extracting methane from methane hydrate. However, as the cost of energy increases, extraction of methane from methane hydrate may become cost-effective. Howe...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): E21B7/14
CPCE21B7/14E21B2043/0115E21B36/006E21B41/0099
Inventor MAGIAWALA, KIRAN RAMANLALSOLLEE, JEFFREY LEEWICKHAM, MICHAEL GORDONFORNACA, STEVEN WAYNE
Owner NORTHROP GRUMAN CORP
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