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Recovery of Natural Gas From Methane Hydrate Deposits

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Energy 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
61638 		Program Year/Program:
2003 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
72818S03-I 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Precision Combustion, Inc.
410 Sackett Point Road North Haven, CT -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2003
Title: Recovery of Natural Gas From Methane Hydrate Deposits
Agency: DOE
Contract: DE-FG02-03ER83755
Award Amount: $100,000.00
 

Abstract:

72818S03-I Thermal dissociation of methane hydrates by the injection of a hot fluid is a potential method of recovering natural gas from hydrate deposits that are either undersea or below permafrost. However, because of heat loss to the reservoir rock and water, the injected energy can exceed the heating value of the recovered gas. This project will utilize previously developed catalytic technology to eliminate heat loss when transporting a heated fluid through perma frost or cold sea water. Phase I will construct and demonstrate a thermodynamic and economic computer model to calculate energy requirements and estimate projected costs of the proposed method. Simulation variables include hydrate composition and concentration in the rock formation, reservoir temperature and pressure, the presence of excess gas or water, etc. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The technology should enable the recovery of natural gas from the huge amount of methane hydrates estimated to exist undersea and below permafrost (some 700,000 trillion cubic feet, many times the estimate of conventional natural gas and oil deposits). Access to a new source of fuel would be provided, and leakage of methane (one of the most potent greenhouse gases) into the environment would be prevented.

Principal Investigator:

William Pfefferle
2032873700
wpfefferle@precision-combustio

Business Contact:

Paul Donahe
2032873700
pdonahe@precision-combustion
Small Business Information at Submission:

Precision Combustion, Inc.
410 Sackett Point Road North Haven, CT 06514

EIN/Tax ID:
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees: N/A
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No