Simulation and economic evaluation of natural gas hydrates [NGH] as an alternative to liquefied natural gas [LNG]

Abstract

Despite the fact that relatively little is known about the ultimate resource potential of natural gas hydrates, it is certain that gas hydrates are a vast storehouse of natural gas and significant technical challenges need to be met before this enormous resource can be considered an economically producible reserve. In this theoretical study, a simulation scheme was suggested to produce NGH in an industrial scale using pure water as a carrier and seawater as a cooling source. Parametric study was carried out and rigorous design calculations for different operating parameters were investigated. Further more and economical evaluation was done taken data of locally produced LNG as a comparison. Production rates, storage and transportation from production region to consumer's ends were investigated. Results obtained suggested that NGH with little consideration can be a good alternative for fuel gas carrier.