Abstract: The present invention provides a process for recovering gas from a clathrate hydrate comprising the steps of: (a) providing a clathrate hydrate within an occupying zone; (b) positioning a source of electromagnetic radiation within said clathrate hydrate occupying zone; and (c) recovering gas from the clathrate hydrate by applying electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source of step (b) to the clathrate hydrate at a frequency within the range of from direct current to visible light at energy density sufficient to dissociate the clathrate hydrate to evolve its constituent gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing gas hydrates includes a reactor vessel having a fluidized or expanded bed reaction zone. The reactor vessel has an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein a cross-sectional area of the upper portion is larger than a cross-sectional area of the lower portion. Water is introduced into the reactor vessel, and hydrate-forming gas is introduced, under an elevated pressure, into the lower portion of the reactor vessel. Preferably, the water and gas flow in a countercurrent manner through the reactor and into the fluidized or expanded bed reaction zone. The apparatus can include a mechanism for withdrawing unreacted hydrate-forming gas from the upper portion of the reactor vessel and recycling it back into the fluidized or expanded reaction bed. A defrosting device can be included with the reactor so that at least a portion of at least one wall of the reactor vessel can be defrosted.

Abstract: A suitable slurry composition allows gas hydrates to be stored or transported under metastable conditions. The slurry includes gas hydrate particles and a carrier liquid for the gas hydrate particles. Suitable carrier liquids have a specific gravity in the range from about 0.6 to about 2, a pour point below about -20.degree. C. a viscosity of about 10 centipoise or less, and a thermal conductivity lower than that of the gas hydrate particles. The slurry can be stored or transported in a system that includes a container for holding the slurry; a device for agitating the slurry while in the container (e.g., a mixing blade, a rotating screw, a reciprocating box beam, or an ultrasound generator); a device for removing excess carrier liquid from the container while it is loaded or being loaded with gas hydrates and/or carrier liquid (e.g., a skimming device or a drain); and a device for reslurrifying the gas hydrates with carrier liquid before or during unloading of the gas hydrates from the container (e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safely, conveniently, and inexpensively liberating gas from gas hydrates includes the use of a device, provided adjacent to or in the bulk gas hydrates, for exposing the gas hydrates to heat from a gas or liquid (preferably steam). The gas hydrates can be directly exposed to the gas or liquid or indirectly exposed through a thermally conductive coil or channel. The heat from the gas or liquid dissociates the gas hydrates into the corresponding gas component and water component. After liberation, the gas component can be collected for further storage, transport, or use. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for moving at least a portion of the gas or liquid through the device for exposing the gas hydrates to heat. The device for exposing the gas hydrates to heat also can be movable, so it can be maintained in close proximity to or in contact with the gas hydrates for continued efficient gasification of the hydrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for continuously producing clathrate hydrate. This process includes comprising the steps of:(a) pressurizing a hydrate-forming gas to an elevated pressure and cooling the hydrate-forming gas below the gas-water-hydrate equilibrium point at the elevated pressure;(b) cooling liquid water below the gas-water-hydrate equilibrium temperature for the elevated pressure;(c) charging hydrate-forming gas at the elevated pressure into a reaction zone which contains a movable surface;(d) atomizing water in the reaction zone in contact with the hydrate-forming gas to form gas hydrates in the reaction;(e) depositing the gas hydrates on the movable surface; and(f) collecting the gas hydrates from the movable surface.

Abstract: A gas hydrate storage reservoir includes at least one insulated wall defining an opening and a sunlight permeable top covering the opening. A gas-tight, gas hydrate storage cavity is defined within the top and the wall(s). A cover element is provided to cover at least a portion of the top to prevent sunlight from passing through that portion of the top. The gas storage reservoir also includes devices for removing gas and water from the storage cavity. In use, when gas is desired by the user, the cover element is removed from at least a portion of the sunlight permeable top so that sunlight will pass through the top and into the storage reservoir. Heat energy from the sun warms the exposed gas hydrates, thereby forcing the hydrates to dissociate into gas and water. The gas is removed from the tank and transported to an appropriate location for use. When sunlight is unavailable or when additional gas is needed than that produced by dissociation via the sun, an external, auxiliary heater (e.g.