World Wide Gas Hydrates Production Method

The novel patented* WWGH process is based on injection of an aqueous low temperature hydrate dissolver fluid, potassium formate, into the underground hydrate deposit. This disassociates the hydrate, releasing methane gas downhole for production to surface. The use of formate fluids is well established in other down hole applications in oil and gas wells. Unlike other hydrate dissociation agents, potassium formate is low hazard and environmentally benign and has a very low freezing point. It can be readily sourced in the quantities needed for hydrate production and can used in summer and winter conditions in environments such as Northern Canada, Alaska and Siberia.

*International Application No. PCT/GB02/04382 (International Publication No. WO03029612A1). Has proceeded to Grant in US (US 7,093,655 B1) and GB (GB2398328B2). Patents pending elsewhere.