Numerical Modeling of Gas Migration and Hydrate Formation in Heterogeneous Marine Sediments

Abstract

The formation of marine gas hydrates is controlled by gas migration and accumulation from lower sediments and by the conditions of the hydrate stability zone. Permeability and porosity are important factors to evaluate the gas migration capacity and reservoir sealing capacity, and to determine the distribution of hydrates in the stable region. Based on currently available geological data from field measurements in the Shenhu area of Baiyun Sag in the northern South China Sea, numerical simulations were conducted to estimate the influence of heterogeneities in porosity and permeability on the processes of hydrate formation and accumulation. The simulation results show that: (1) The heterogeneity of the hydrate stability zone will affect the methane migration within it and influence the formation and accumulation of hydrates. This is one of the reasons for the formation of heterogeneous hydrates. (2) When the reservoir is layered heterogeneously, stratified differences in gas lateral migration and hydrate formation will occur in the sediment, and the horizontal distribution range of the hydrate in a high porosity and permeability reservoir is wider. (3) To determine the dominant enrichment area of hydrate in a reservoir, we should consider both vertical and lateral conditions of the sedimentary layer, and the spatial coupling configuration relationships among the hydrate stability region, reservoir space and gas migration and drainage conditions should be considered comprehensively. The results are helpful to further understand the rules of hydrate accumulation in the Shenhu area on the northern slope of the South China Sea, and provide some references for future hydrate exploration and the estimation of reserves.