| Advanced Hydrate Reservoir Modeling Using Rock Physics Techniques | Last Reviewed 1/24/2013 |
DE-FE0010160
Goal
The primary goal of this research is to develop analytical techniques capable of quantitatively evaluating the nature of methane hydrate reservoir systems through modeling of their acoustic response using techniques that integrate rock physics theory, amplitude analysis, and spectral decomposition.
Performers
Fugro GeoConsulting, Inc., Houston TX
Background
Past efforts under the DOE-supported GoM Joint Industry project included the selection of well locations utilizing prospectivity analysis based primarily on a petroleum systems approach for gas hydrate using 3-D exploration seismic data and derivative analyses that produced predicted gas hydrate saturation volumes. Logging while drilling at those locations confirmed the presence of high saturation gas hydrate reservoirs at two boreholes in Green Canyon Block 955 (GC955) and two boreholes in Walker Ridge Block 313 (WR313) in the Gulf of Mexico. The success of the four wells was a significant achievement and legitimized the conceptual approach taken to prospect for potential producible methane hydrate reservoirs in deepwater that could be exploited with modifications to present-day technology.
The success of future hydrate research wells and, eventually, resource exploration wells, will depend on the continued evolution of the techniques employed to select successful drilling locations. It is anticipated that future prospecting for methane hydrate deposits will be driven by their potential for exploitation as an energy resource. Geophysical prospecting techniques will need to be developed to both identify potential gas hydrate accumulations and better delineate and characterize these potentially complex systems and reservoirs.
This research effort will focus on developing and refining techniques that integrate rock physics modeling, amplitude analysis, and spectral decomposition. The expected outcome of the research efforts will be an enhanced ability to quantitatively evaluate and prioritize potential gas hydrate accumulations that may be selected as exploration drilling targets based on 3-D seismic data. Potential enhancements that are expected to result from research efforts include:
Impact
Enhanced prospecting techniques for detecting and characterizing hydrate occurrences using seismic data will help reduce the substantial costs and risks and increase the likelihood of success of hydrate-focused deepwater drilling programs. This will be important for initial research-based hydrate drilling activities, but may also eventually play a critical role in drilling programs seeking to exploit hydrates as an energy resource. Reliable selection and prioritization of gas hydrate drilling targets could have the following benefits: reduced costs incurred for drilling ?dry? wells, increased likelihood of intersecting economically recoverable gas reserves, reduced exploration cost per volume of recoverable gas reserves, and enhancement of support for investment in future exploitation of gas hydrates as an energy resource.
Accomplishments
The project was awarded on October 1, 2012.
Current Status (January 2013)
Initial efforts under the project are focused on acquisition of seismic, well log, and other data for use in the research and the development of specific protocols for use in testing and verifying planned research. These efforts will be followed by the development of analytical techniques to interpret system geometry and determine the properties of the methane hydrate systems. The analytical techniques, once established, will be tested and verified and the results reported to DOE.
Project Start: October 1, 2012
Project End: September 30, 2013
Project Cost Information:
Planned Total Funding: $213,444
DOE Contribution: $170,755
Cost Share Contribution: $42,689
Contact Information:
NETL ? Richard Baker (Richard.Baker@netl.doe.gov or 304-285-4714)
Fugro GeoConsulting Inc. ? Dan McConnell (DMcConnell@fugro.com)
Additional Information
Quarterly Progress Report [PDF-133KB] October - December, 2012