Abstract: A method and equipment for harvesting natural gas from seabed hydrates are disclosed. The preferred equipment includes a mobile riser, a water injection nozzle, a gas collector, a gas separator, a gas compressor, a water pump, and a water boiler. A fraction of produced gas is used to heat water which is in turn injected to seafloor for dissociating gas hydrates. The preferred method of the invention comprises producing natural gas from seabed hydrates using a production ship with a moving riser installed. This method eliminates the need of drilling wells and thus cuts cost of gas production tremendously.

Abstract: A method and equipment for harvesting natural gas from seabed hydrates are disclosed. The preferred equipment includes a mobile riser, a water injection nozzle, a gas collector, a gas separator, a gas compressor, a water pump, and a water boiler. A fraction of produced gas is used to heat water which is in turn injected to seafloor for dissociating gas hydrates. The preferred method of the invention comprises producing natural gas from seabed hydrates using a production ship with a moving riser installed. This method eliminates the need of drilling wells and thus cuts cost of gas production tremendously.

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.