Methane Hydrate Recovery Technology from the Deep Seabed

A system for recovery of methane hydrate from the deep ocean floor has not been established. As one possible recovery system, a gas-lift system was investigated. Experiments were performed with a gas-lift system of 5 m height and 100 mm in diameter to determine the relationship between injected gas quantity and pumped water quantity. Vertical flow in the gas-lift pipe was calculated with a compressible one-dimensional two-fluid model to analyze flow in the recovery pipe of methane hydrate from the deep ocean floor. Basic equations were mass conservation equations and momentum conservation equations of each phase, the relation of volume fractions and the state equation of the gas phase. The calculation showed that optimal gas injection depths exist. Thus, the gas-lift system can be economically effective the recovery of methane hydrate from the deep ocean floor.