In situ thermal conductivity of gas‐hydrate‐bearing sediments of the Mallik 5L‐38 well

Abstract

Detailed knowledge about thermal properties of rocks containing gas hydrate is required in order to quantify processes involving gas hydrate formation and decomposition in nature. In the framework of the Mallik 2002 program, three wells penetrating a continental gas hydrate occurrence under permafrost were successfully equipped with permanent fiber‐optic distributed temperature sensing cables. Temperature data were collected over a 21‐month period after completing the wells. Thermal conductivity profiles were calculated from the geothermal data as well as from a petrophysical model derived from the available logging data and application of mixing law models. Results indicate that thermal conductivity variations are mainly lithologically controlled with a minor influence from hydrate saturation. Average thermal conductivity values of the hydrate‐bearing sediments range between 2.35 and 2.77 W m−1 K−1. Maximum gas hydrate saturations can reach up to about 90% at an average porosity of 0.3.