Production of methane from abundant hydrate deposits

摘要

Methods of dissociating and recovering methane from solid hydrate deposits are provided. A method for recovering methane from a methane hydrate includes at least applying electromagnetic radiation to the methane hydrate to dissociate the methane-water bond. Further provided is an apparatus for dissociating methane from a methane hydrate. The apparatus includes at least: an electromagnetic spectrum power source; a probe connected to the electromagnetic spectrum power source; an antenna connected to the distal end of the probe is capable of focusing a radiated beam into a target area of a methane hydrate; and a control system in communication with and capable of controlling the electromagnetic spectrum power source, the probe, and the antenna.

主权项

1. A method for dissociating methane from hydrate deposits, comprising:
providing a control system that controls an electromagnetic spectrum power source, said control system controlling said electromagnetic spectrum power source to deliver electromagnetic radiation to a hydrate deposit, said electromagnetic radiation in a frequency range of about 23 THz to about 30 THz.