Analysis of the Physical Properties of Hydrate Sediments Recovered from the Pearl River Mouth Basin in the South China Sea: Preliminary Investigation for Gas Hydrate Exploitation

Bin Wang, Peng Huo, Tingting Luo, Zhen Fan, Fanglan Liu, Bo Xiao, Mingjun Yang, Jiafei Zhao and Yongchen Song
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Bin Wang: Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Peng Huo: Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Tingting Luo: Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Zhen Fan: Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Fanglan Liu: Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, Guangzhou 510075, China
Bo Xiao: Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, Guangzhou 510075, China
Mingjun Yang: Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Jiafei Zhao: Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Yongchen Song: Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China

Energies, 2017, vol. 10, issue 4, 1-16

Abstract: Laboratory based research on the physical properties of gas hydrate hosting sediment matrix was carried out on the non-pressurized hydrate-bearing sediment samples from the Chinese Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey 2 (GMGS2) drilling expedition in the Pearl River Mouth (PRM) basin. Measurements of index properties, surface characteristics, and thermal and mechanical properties were performed on ten sediment cores. The grains were very fine with a mean grain size ranging from 7 to 11 ?m throughout all intervals, which provide guidance for the option of a screen system. Based on X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) and SEM images, bioclasts, which could promote hydrate formation, were not found in the PRM basin. However, the flaky clay might be conducive to hydrate formation in pore spaces. The measured sediment thermal conductivities are relatively low compared to those measured at other mines, ranging from 1.3 to 1.45 W/(m·K). This suggests that thermal stimulation may not be a good option for gas production from hydrate-bearing sediments in the PRM basin, and depressurization could exacerbate the problems of gas hydrate reformation and/or ice generation. Therefore, the heat transfer problem needs to be considered when exploiting the natural gas hydrate resource within these areas. In addition, the results of testing the mechanical property indicate the stability of hydrate-bearing sediments decreases with hydrate dissociation, suggesting that a holistic approach should be considered when establishing a drilling platform. Both the heat-transfer characteristic and mechanical property provide the foundation for the establishment of a safe and efficient production technology for utilizing the hydrate resource.

Keywords: physical properties; hydrate-bearing sediment; Pearl River Mouth basin; production technology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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