Numerical Simulation Study of Methane Gas Hydrates Production by Using Gas Injection

Abstract

Methane gas hydrate is a solid inclusion compound composed of gas and water, which is stable under high pressure and low temperature. However, the required natural gas exploration method is different from the usual traditional gas reservoir development. The exchange of methane with carbon dioxide is a leading unconventional technology for the production of natural gas hydrate. The production process of methane gas hydrate is simulated by using CMG STAR reservoir simulation software. The ability of CH4 in hydrate exchanged by injected CO2 gas and CO2-N2 mixed gas is compared, and the exchange situation of CO2-CH4 is evaluated. The results show that carbon dioxide injected into the process of methane hydrate formation has the ability to seal carbon dioxide in the form of carbon dioxide hydrate while recovering methane. A mixture of 78% nitrogen and 22% carbon dioxide produces 76.7% methane, while methane using only carbon dioxide produces 61%. Methane recovery increases with the increase of reservoir temperature and permeability. CH4-CO2 exchange technology through gas injection into hydrate reservoirs is feasible in practical oilfields, and natural gas production can be increased by injecting a mixture of nitrogen and carbon dioxide