UNDERWATER GAS FIELD DEVELOPMENT METHODS AND SYSTEMS

摘要

Underwater gas pressurization units and liquefaction systems, as well as pressurization and liquefaction methods and gas field development methods are provided. Gas is compressed hydraulically by seawater introduced into vessels and separated from the gas by a water immiscible liquid layer. Tall, possibly vertical helical vessels are used to reach a high compression ratio that lowers the liquefaction temperature. Cooling units are used to liquefy the compressed gas, possibly by a coolant which is itself pressurized by a similar mechanism. The coolant may be selected to be liquefied under surrounding seawater temperatures. The seawater which is used to pressurize the gas may be used after evacuation from the vessels to pressurize intrastratal gas in the production stages and broaden the gas field development.

主权项

1. An underwater gas pressurization unit comprising:
at least one vessel arranged to receive gas through a top of the vessel and seawater through a bottom of the vessel, and further comprising a layer of water-immiscible liquid separating between the gas and the seawater, the water-immiscible liquid selected to have a density which is intermediate between a density of the gas and a density of the seawater; and a valve system arranged to pressurize the gas by introducing the seawater into the vessel, evacuate the pressurized gas through the top of the vessel upon reaching a specified pressure and introduce gas into the vessel by evacuating the seawater through the bottom of the vessel.