Patent ID: 6994159
Filing Date: 2006-02-07
Classification: E21B,E21C

Abstract:
1. A system for extracting natural gas from natural gas hydrate matter located in natural gas bearing strata beneath a bed of a body of water; comprising: a. a first conduit including an entrance and an exit, said exit positioned in the natural gas hydrate containing strata beneath the bed; b. a flowable heat containing medium; c. means for urging said flowable heat containing medium through said entrance of said first conduit and out from said exit thereof to the natural gas hydrate containing strata in sufficient quantity to convert the natural gas hydrate into natural gas vapor; d. a second conduit having an entrance and an exit said second conduit leading the natural gas vapor from beneath the bed, into said entrance and out from said exit of said second conduit to a place above the bed; e. a collector having a mouth, an exit and an intermediate portion between said mouth and exit, said collector located adjacent said exit of said second conduit to gather natural gas vapor passing out from said exit of said second conduit the natural gas vapor entering said mouth of said collector, traveling through said intermediate portion of said collector, and egressing from said exit of said collector; and f. a monitor for detecting the level of water within said collector.