Numerical simulation study of natural gas hydrate extraction by depressurization combined with CO2 replacement

Abstract

Utilizing depressurization combined with CO2 replacement for extracting natural gas hydrates (NGHs) is vital for sustainable energy and carbon sequestration. In this study, a NGH reservoir numerical model was developed to investigate the impacts of depressurization combined with CO2 replacement on hydrate extraction at a field scale. Findings reveal an increase in methane production with reduced bottom hole pressure. When the bottom hole pressure is 3.5 MPa, the methane production reaches its maximum at 1.71 × 106 m3. Methane hydrates near production and injection wells decompose first, with deeper hydrates decomposing more easily. Higher differential pressures between injection and production enhance methane extraction and CO2 hydrate formation. However, excessive pressure differential (1.5 MPa) can lead to CO2 breakthrough across reservoir barriers, adversely affecting the purity of methane. At 1800 d, the methane purity is only 36.2 %. Optimal methane extraction and CO2 sequestration occur at higher injection temperatures (9 °C) below the CO2 hydrate phase equilibrium temperature. Temperatures above this equilibrium adversely affect both processes. The study validates the feasibility of depressurization with CO2 replacement for extracting hydrates in the Shenhu area, offering theoretical guidance for synergistic offshore methane extraction and CO2 sequestration techniques.