The primary goal of this research is to visualize gas hydrate within sediment pore spaces under in situ conditions using a high-resolution micro-XCT scanner.
Yongkoo Seol – NETL Office of Research & Development
Eilis Rosenbaum – NETL Office of Research & Development
Jongho Cha- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
Location
National Energy Technology Laboratory - Morgantown, West Virginia
The initial phase of this research will focus on developing the experimental system needed to accommodate hydrate-bearing samples under in-situ conditions within an existing micro-XCT (X-ray transparent cell) system. Development will consist of designing, building, and testing the two main components needed to perform hydrate formation and dissociation experiments: (1) a micro-XCT compatible pressure vessel and (2) an experimental system providing controls on in situ pressure and temperature conditions, liquid /gas flow injection and collection, and data logging.
A pressure vessel that will hold a small (~1/4 inch diameter by 3 inch long) sample under in situ conditions will be developed to allow visualization of hydrate formation and dissociation experiments within the vessel using the micro-XCT. The experimental control system will provide and maintain the appropriate pressure and temperature required for hydrate stability as well as providing the capability to control injection into and flow out of the pressure vessel.
Preliminary testing of the system will be performed with analogues mimicking hydrate with a focus on image quality optimization. Following system testing, researchers will perform micro-XCT analysis on synthesized hydrate-bearing sediments to confirm the ability of the system to form hydrate and confirm 3-D visualization of hydrate accumulation within the pore space.
Specific activities will be focused around the following 3 areas:
Real-time imaging of phase change and gas migration during hydrate formation and dissociation and subsequent numerical simulations supported by CT-based 3-D distribution maps will help provide insight into the impact of hydrate on gas migration, well bore stability, and sea floor hazards that could occur during development and production from hydrate reservoirs.
Quarterly research progress reports are posted below under "Additional Information".
FY2012: ~$120,000
NETL–ORD: Yongkoo Seol (Yongkoo.Seol@netl.doe.gov or 304-285-2029)
In addition to the information provided above, a listing of any available project related publications and presentations, as well as a listing of funded students, will be included in the Methane Hydrate Program Bibliography.
Quarterly Research Progress Report [PDF-3.46MB] April - June, 2015
Quarterly Research Progress Report [PDF-2.77MB] January - March, 2015
Quarterly Research Progress Report [PDF-1.31MB] October - December, 2014
Quarterly Research Progress Report [PDF-3.01MB] July - September, 2014
Quarterly Research Progress Report [PDF-2.40MB] April - June, 2014
Quarterly Research Progress Report [PDF-2.62MB] January - March, 2014