METHANE HYDRATES

Research on methane hydrates has focused on discovering the potential of a vast energy resource unknown until the 1980s. Methane hydrates represent an untapped natural gas resource, which has been estimated to hold more than twice the global reserves of conventional oil, gas and coal deposits combined.  Methane hydrate is found in crystal form in Arctic permafrost areas and deep continental margin deposits. The U. S. Department of Energy began a research and development plan in 2000, and has joined in offshore and arctic research with Canada and Japan. Methane hydrate compounds are crystalline solids containing methane molecules trapped in water molecules. Methane hydrates are stable in offshore sediments greater than 300 meters, and surface permafrost sediments several hundreds of meters thick. Early research concentrated on locating potential methane hydrate resources.  The current research target is development of drilling and engineering technologies to efficiently extract methane hydrate and produce this valuable resource.

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Pipe Coating Developed to Prevent Methane Hydrate Buildup

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a new anti-clogging coating for deep-sea oil and gas wells to prevent the build-up of methane hydrates in cold water. Methane hydrates can form in deep water wells as a result of low temperatures and high pressure at depth. The hydrates forming inside well casing can restrict or block fluid and gas flow in pipes. Methane hydrate deposition slowed repair efforts on the Macondo well in April 2010. The passive coating is designed to keep methane hydrates from clinging to the pipelines. The new method is significantly lower cost than previous chemical additives or heating systems.

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• Producers Test Ways to Draw Hydrates from Alaska’s North Slope

• The National Methane Hydrates R&D Program, MITAS 2009 Beaufort Sea Expedition

• The National Methane Hydrates R&D Program, The Alaska North Slope Stratigraphic Test Well

• USGS Alaskan Petroleum Studies —Assessment of Gas Hydrate Resources on the North Slope, Alaska, 2008 — Fact Sheet 2008-3073| Press Release (11/12/08) | Podcast (Episode 74) —Slide Presentation (Flash document 10.6 MB)
  Gas Hydrates Website

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Methane Hydrates