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Methane solubility in brines with application to the geopressured resource

Conference ·
OSTI ID:7369453
This study reports on a large amount of experimentally determined aqueous methane solubility data over a wide range of temperature, pressure and salinity conditions. This data compares well with other previously published experimental data. An empirical equation has been developed which allows the calculation of aqueous methane solubilities from 158/sup 0/ to 464/sup 0/F at pressures above 3500 psi and from 464/sup 0/F to 601/sup 0/F at pressures above 5000 psi for all salinities. Other previously published empirical equations appear to be invalid. Salt composition appears to have no measurable effect on methane solubility. Carbon dioxide content in the waters has large and unexpected effects on methane solubility. Previously unreported large concentrations of carbon dioxide exist in geopressured sandstone pore waters. These two facts have great import to the geopressured resource in regard to whether sandstone pore waters are methane saturated or not, as well as to the presence or absence of free gas. There is not enough experimental data to say with certainty if Gulf Coast geopressured sandstone reservoirs are methane saturated or not. Closer cooperation between laboratory and field studies will be necessary to speak to this problem.
OSTI ID:
7369453
Report Number(s):
CONF-811026-43; ON: DE82003311
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English