China's first domestically developed methane hydrate fidelity sampler has recently been deployed in Guangzhou, marking a significant breakthrough in the country's deep-sea resource exploration. The recent sea trial conducted in the northern South China Sea demonstrated that the equipment's core performance metrics have reached international leading standards, showcasing China's growing capabilities in marine technology.
Methane hydrates, commonly known as combustible ice, are a type of natural gas hydrate discovered in oceanic and tundra regions over the past two decades. These substances represent a promising new clean energy source that can potentially replace traditional fossil fuels like oil and coal. It is estimated that the global reserves of combustible ice contain organic carbon equivalent to twice the total amount of known coal, oil, and natural gas resources combined.
Sampling methane hydrates from the seafloor remains a major challenge in offshore resource exploration. Due to the sensitivity of these compounds, conventional sampling methods often fail because the hydrates tend to decompose when exposed to changes in temperature, pressure, and light during retrieval. As part of the National 863 Program's methane hydrate detection initiatives, this new fidelity sampler was specifically designed to address this issue.
Developed by the Marine Technology and Engineering Center of Zhejiang University and the State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power Transmission, with supervision from the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey Bureau under the Ministry of Land and Resources, the device incorporates a gravity piston design that allows it to be directly inserted into the seabed. The system maintains sample integrity through insulation and pressure control, ensuring that the hydrates remain stable during retrieval.
Weighing 1.3 tons and measuring 11.2 meters in length, the sampler can reach depths of up to 10 meters—two to five times deeper than existing deep-sea sediment samplers. Its maximum working depth extends to 3,000 meters, making it one of the most advanced systems of its kind globally.
In May of this year, the device was tested aboard the research vessel China Ocean No. 4 during the second sea trial in the northern South China Sea. The mission successfully collected 9.15 meters of deep-sea sediment samples at a depth of 1,940 meters. After returning to the ship, on-site pressure-holding tests confirmed that all technical specifications were met. Initial gas analysis using a gas chromatograph revealed that the main component was methane, confirming the presence of combustible ice in the samples.
This achievement not only highlights China's technological progress in deep-sea exploration but also paves the way for more efficient and accurate evaluation of methane hydrate resources, which could play a crucial role in the future of global energy supply.
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