A method of loading and/or unloading gas hydrates into and/or from a storage reservoir and a storage reservoir adapted thereto

摘要

1,084,621. Conveying solids in liquids. SHELL INTERNATIONALE RESEARCH MAATSCHAPPIJ N, V. Jan. 26, 1966 [Jan. 28, 1965], No.3557/66. Heading F1R. A method of loading and unloading gas hydrates into and from a storage reservoir comprises turning, before loading or unloading, the gas hydrates into a pumpable slurry by addition of a liquid having a temperature of at most 0‹C., and loading or unloading the slurry into or from the reservoir. Gas hydrate examples given include natural gas or methane, and the liquid may be sea-water or fresh water e. g. mixed with a freezing point depressant. The storage reservoir 1 is fitted with a tubular filter 4, e.g. of wire mesh, through which the liquid passes to outlet 5 when the slurry is pumped into reservoir 1 through inlets 2, 3, leaving practically dry gas hydrates. For unloading, liquid is pumped into the reservoir through outlet 5, and the slurry withdrawn through inlets 2, 3. In another embodiment, Fig. (not shown), two filters and a plurality of inlets and outlets are provided. After unloading the liquid is removed and the gas liberated from the gas hydrates leaving ice which may be used to form fresh gas hydrates. The liquid is used again to form more slurry.