Methane Hydrate Reservoir Grouting for Sand Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methane hydrate production methods face challenges with reservoir compaction and sand production due to the decomposition of methane hydrate, which leads to fluidity and equipment damage, and existing solutions like the gravel pack screen method are ineffective in preventing sand fluidity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving reservoir grouting with a selected grouting agent that adheres sand particles, followed by hydraulic fracturing and chemical treatment to improve permeability, and the use of a filling material to construct a grouting body with sufficient strength and permeability, preventing sand production during methane hydrate decomposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If methane hydrate is decomposed into methane gas and water, then methane production is achieved, but sand particles become fluid and are carried into the mine causing equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by injecting grouting agents into the reservoir before methane hydrate decomposition begins. This pre-treatment stabilizes the sand particles and prevents fluidity from occurring when the hydrate decomposes, thereby preventing sand production while allowing methane extraction to proceed
Solution Approach 2:
The grouting agent acts as an intermediary substance between the sand particles and the decomposition process. It binds to the sand particles and maintains their structural integrity during methane hydrate decomposition, preventing the sand from becoming fluid while allowing the methane gas to be extracted
2Object-generated harmful factors
If gravel pack screen method is used to filter out sand, then sand removal is achieved, but sand fluidity cannot be suppressed and production obstacles occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of filtering sand after it becomes fluid, the patent applies preliminary action by stabilizing the sand particles in place before decomposition occurs. The grouting agent is injected in advance to prevent sand fluidity, eliminating the need for filtration and ensuring production stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful effect of sand fluidity by preventing it from occurring in the first place through grouting. Rather than dealing with fluid sand through filtration, the solution removes the root cause by stabilizing the reservoir structure before decomposition begins
3Stability of the object's composition
If grouting agent is injected into the reservoir, then sand particles are adhered and stability is improved, but reservoir permeability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively injecting grouting agents into specific zones where sand stability is needed, rather than treating the entire reservoir uniformly. This localized approach stabilizes problematic areas while preserving permeability in regions where production flow is critical
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by carefully controlling the concentration, viscosity, and injection pressure of the grouting agent. These parameter adjustments ensure that the grouting provides sufficient stabilization while maintaining adequate pore space and permeability for methane gas flow
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach stabilizes the reservoir, preventing sand fluidity and compaction, allowing for efficient and economically advantageous methane hydrate production similar to conventional petroleum oil and gas reservoirs.
Implementation Method 1
a reservoir grouting process of injecting grouting agent or a filling material into the methane hydrate reservoir
Implementation Method 2
construct a space for constructing a grouting body through the filling material
Implementation Method 3
a hydraulic fracturing and chemical treatment process for improving the reservoir permeation rate of the grouted reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A methane hydrate production method comprising a step of performing a reservoir grouting process. The reservoir grouting process comprises: injecting a grouting agent into a frozen soil reservoir on the land or a seabed reservoir for targeting methane hydrate existing within sand particles of the target reservoirs; or injecting a filling material into cavities naturally or artificially occurred in a frozen soil reservoir on the land or a seabed reservoir for targeting methane hydrate existing within sand particles of the target reservoirs, and enabling a grouting body being constructed.