Experimental Verification of Blocking a Water-Bearing Zone Using CO 2 Reactive Grout for Methane Hydrate Development

Rongchang Zhang (), Takatoshi Ito, Shungo Abe and Takashi Uchiumi
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Rongchang Zhang: Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
Takatoshi Ito: Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
Shungo Abe: Technology & Research Center, Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), Chiba 261-0025, Japan
Takashi Uchiumi: Technology & Research Center, Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), Chiba 261-0025, Japan

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-23

Abstract: Tests during methane hydrate (MH) production in Japan have shown that excessive water production is a primary challenge in MH development. It can lead to sand production, inhibit effective reservoir depressurization, and hinder gas production. This study investigated the ability of a reactive grout, produced by the in situ reaction of CO 2 with sodium silicate (SS), to inhibit water generation from unconsolidated sand layers by forming a water-blocking gel barrier. The performance of this grout was evaluated through laboratory experiments using silica sand as a porous medium. Under controlled conditions, diluted SS and CO 2 were sequentially injected. The injection and gelation processes were monitored in real time using CT scanning, and SEM was employed to analyze the microstructure of the reaction products. The results indicated that SS exhibited piston-like flow, with elevated concentrations increasing viscosity and promoting more uniform injection. CO 2 injection resulted in successful in situ gel formation. A homogeneous gel distribution decreased permeability by ~98% when the SS concentration was 25 wt%. However, at 50 wt%, rapid localized gelation caused preferential flow paths and reduced sealing efficiency. These findings highlight the potential of CO 2 reactive grouting for water management in MH exploitation and the importance of optimizing injection parameters.

Keywords: sodium silicate; CO 2; water-blocking agent; CT scanning; unconsolidated sand (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: 2025
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