An alternative method of methane production from deposits of subaquatic gas hydrates

Abstract

Purpose. Determination of the potential efficiency of the alternative method of methane production from subaquatic gas hydrate deposits using the emissions of underwater mud volcanoes considering geological and thermodynamic conditions typical for the Black Sea. Methods. Computer modeling of the processes considering changing of the thermodynamic parameters of the supplying fluid within the pipeline and hydrate deposits was carried out on the basis of the Aspen Hysys program, using the Ng and Robinson model to calculate the energy potential of the fluid. Findings. An algorithm for calculating the distance to which a flow of the emissions mud volcano can be delivered with a temperature sufficient to remove sea bed hydrates from thermodynamic equilibrium and release methane has been developed. The schematic technological solution of an alternative method of methane production from gas hydrate deposits were presented by using the energy of emissions of mud volcano (fluid). The collection device for emissions of mud volcano and gas hydrate sea bed deposits were also been used within the model. The calculations have been done using Aspen Hysys computer program. Originality. The potential efficiency of the alternative method of methane production from gas hydrated sea bed deposits using thermal energy from emissions of underwater volcanoes is substantiated. It is also shown that in the case when the hydrate deposits cover the sea bed natural gas deposits as an impermeable layer, the thermal energy of the gas flow extracted from the sea bed natural gas deposits can be used for the decomposition of the hydrates This case is similar to the considered alternative method of using thermal energy of the emissions of mud volcanoes. Practical implications. The use of an alternative method of methane production from gas hydrate sea bed deposits by using emissions of mud volcano make it possible to increase the amount of gas obtained from subaquatic sources ~ by 7-10% without using additional sources of thermal energy. The practical application of this method will also prevent methane emissions from mud volcanoes into the atmosphere, which reduces pollution of seas and oceans with dissolved gases.