10-20-2013, 09:43 PM
'Palm' pid='30038' datel Wrote:The mention of the "danger" of these hydrates refers to the fact that these hydrates are stable only within a very narrow temperature range. There is concern that it wouldn't take much of an oooops to have this methane be released into the atmosphere and be more heat-trapping than what we now have with the CO2 theory. Again, with the thought today that this source, if and when they can produce and harness it cost-effectively, will most likely replace coal use, not sure what effect it has today on IOC and the deals being worked on. With this technology in the infant stages Japan and others have to be concerned still with near term energy sources. And with PNG being a low-cost country at present IOC sits in a very good position for some time to come. As far as Wahoo, the presentations and other info referenced elsewhere on SHU give lots of info. Look forward to your thoughts.
Everything I have read about methane hydrates indicate that they are also sensitive mechanical disturbances and can have massive releases in such cases. That along with the temperature sensitivity and perhaps other factors make them very difficult to safely and efficiently harvest.
As long as the accidental release of methane into the sea and atmosphere remains of major concern (global climate) I believe it will take some major advances in technology to allow commercial harvesting of methane hydrates, IMHO.