Abstract

Methane gas hydrates in sediments have been studied by several investigators as a possible future energy resource. Recent hydrate reserves have been estimated at approximately ${10}^{16}$   ${\text{m}}^3$ of methane gas worldwide at standard temperature and pressure conditions. In situ dissociation of natural gas hydrate is necessary in order to commercially exploit the resource from the natural-gas-hydrate-bearing sediment. The presence of gas hydrates in sediments dramatically alters some of the normal physical properties of the sediment. These changes can be detected by field measurements and by down-hole logs. An understanding of the physical properties of hydrate-bearing sediments is necessary for interpretation of geophysical data collected in field settings, borehole, and slope stability analyses; reservoir simulation; and production models. This work reviews information available in literature related to the physical properties of sediments containing gas hydrates. A brief review of the physical properties of bulk gas hydrates is included. Detection methods, morphology, and relevant physical properties of gas-hydrate-bearing sediments are also discussed.

Authors:

Gabitto, Jorge F. ^[1]; Tsouris, Costas ^[2]

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+ Show Author Affiliations

1. Department of Chemical Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446-0397, USA
2. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6181, USA

Publication Date:

2010-01-01

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1198273

Grant/Contract Number:  

FC26-06NT42963; FG26-06NT42746; AC05-00OR22725

Resource Type:

Published Article

Journal Name:

Journal of Thermodynamics

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Name: Journal of Thermodynamics Journal Volume: 2010; Journal ID: ISSN 1687-9244

Publisher:

Hindawi Publishing Corporation

Country of Publication:

Country unknown/Code not available

Language:

English