Patent ID: 6209965
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: E02F,E21B,E21C

Abstract:
An apparatus for recovering hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon-containing clathrate, said apparatus comprising:mining means for disrupting a clathrate rich portion comprising the hydrocarbon-containing clathrate and sediment from the surrounding strata;transporting means for moving a clathrate rich portion comprising the hydrocarbon-containing clathrate and sediment;a conduit adapted for receiving the hydrocarbon containing clathrate and sediment and further adapted for separating said sediment from said hydrocarbon, wherein said conduit has a diameter, a first end, a second end and is generally cylindrical, and wherein said conduit has an intermediate portion located between the first end and the second end, and said intermediate portion has a greater diameter than the first end; andinjection means having a point of injection for injecting an injection gas into said conduit.