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System-level insights into flow-pressure-saturation coupling for safe and efficient methane hydrate production

Author

Listed:
  • Sun, Huiru
  • Chen, Jing
  • Karunakaran, Gajanan
  • Chen, Bingbing
  • Ranjith, Pathegama Gamage
  • Song, Yongchen
  • Yang, Mingjun

Abstract

Understanding the coupled influence of fluid flow, reserviors pressure, and hydrate saturation is essential for optimizing gas recovery and flow assurance in methane hydrate resrviors. In this study, a series of visualization experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of gas-water flow regimes, initial hydrate saturations, and production backpressures on gas-water transport and hydrate stability. Results showed that higher backpressure (6000 kPa) significantly enhanced hydrate stability but promoted methane hydrate reformation, which led to flow channel clogging and delayed water flow breakthrough time. Gas-dominant two-phase flow regimes accelerated local supersaturation and hydrate reformation, while water-dominant flow regimes facilitated hydrate decomposition and flow channel generation. Moreover, at low hydrate saturation (<14%), methane hydrate was discontinuously distributed with limited impact on gas-water flow and transport in reservoirs. However, when hydrate saturation reached the range of 14% ∼ 24%, notable changes in flow behavior were observed, including elevated pressure response and delayed fluid breakthrough. These findings highlighted the close link between hydrate phase behavior and flow conditions, and suggested practical strategies for managing flow-pressure-saturation coupling to improve hydrate production efficiency and maintain flow assurance.

Suggested Citation

  • Sun, Huiru & Chen, Jing & Karunakaran, Gajanan & Chen, Bingbing & Ranjith, Pathegama Gamage & Song, Yongchen & Yang, Mingjun, 2026. "System-level insights into flow-pressure-saturation coupling for safe and efficient methane hydrate production," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 411(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:411:y:2026:i:c:s0306261926002758
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2026.127623
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