Thermodynamic Conditions of Formation of CO2 Hydrate in Carbon Dioxide Injection into a Methane Hydrate Reservoir

Abstract

The mechanism of replacement of methane by carbon dioxide in the hydrate in the process of CO2 injection into a reservoir with formation of fronts of methane hydrate dissociation and carbon dioxide hydrate generation is investigated. It is found that such a replacement regime can be implemented in both low- and high-permeability reservoirs. It is shown that in the highintensity injection regime the heat flux from the well does not affect propagation of the fronts of methane hydrate dissociation and carbon dioxide hydrate generation. In this case the replacement regime is maintained by only the heat released at formation of carbon dioxide hydrate. An increase in the injection pressure may lead to suppression of methane hydrate dissociation and termination of the replacement reaction. The critical diagrams of existence of the regime of conversion of methane hydrate to carbon dioxide hydrate are constructed.