To establish the structural and lithological controls on gas hydrate distribution and to assess the potential energy resource and environmental hazards in the Indian Ocean, non-pressurized and pressurized cores were recovered from the Krishna-Godavari (K-G) and Mahanadi Basins offshore east India, and from an Andaman Sea site. The pore fluids were analyzed for: salinity, Cl-, sulfate, sulfide, carbonate alkalinity, Ca2+, Mg2+, Sr2+, K+, Na+, Ba2+, and Li+ concentrations, δ13C-DIC, δ18O, D/H, and 87Sr/86Sr ratios; together with infra-red imaging they provided important constraints on the presence and distribution of gas hydrates, thus on the subsurface hydrology. Evidence for methane hydrate was obtained at each of the sites. Only in the K-G Basin, between the sulfate-methane transition zone (SMT) depth and ~80 mbsf, higher than seawater chloride concentrations are observed; below this zone to the depth of the base of the gas hydrate zone (BGHSZ), chloride concentrations and salinity are lower than seawater value. In the Andaman Sea and Mahanadi Basin, only lower than seawater chloride concentrations are observed, and the shallowest gas hydrates occur at 100-200 m below the sulfate-methane transition zone (SMT) and extend to the depth of the BGHSZ. In the K-G Basin, the highest methane hydrate concentrations are associated with fracture zones in clay-rich sediments and/or in some coarser grained horizons. In the Andaman Sea, however, they are primarily associated with volcanic ash horizons. Assuming dilution by water released from dissociated methane hydrate, chloride and salinity anomalies suggest pore volume occupancies on the order of <1% to a maximum of ~61% at two sites (10, 21) in the K-G Basin and <1% to a maximum of ~76% at the Andaman Sea site. Overall, the percent pore volume occupancies based on pressure core methane concentrations and the chloride concentrations in conventional cores are similar. Variations in sulfate gradients were observed with the steepest gradient having the SMT at 8 mbsf in the K-G Basin and the deepest SMT at ~25 mbsf at the Andaman Sea site. The extreme negative δ13C values of the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), ranging from -38‰ to -47‰ at the SMT at some of the sites, indicate that anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) is an important reaction responsible for sulfate reduction at these sites. At several sites in the K-G Basin, however, the δ13C-DIC values indicate that organic matter oxidation is the dominant reaction.

The “Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle” (IGCC) represents an advanced approach for green field projects for power generation. This process requires separation of carbon dioxide from the shifted-synthesis gas mixture (fuel gas). Treated fuel gas consists of approximately 40% CO2 and rest H2. Gas hydrate based separation technology for hydrate forming gas mixtures is one of the novel approaches for gas separation. The present study illustrates the gas hydrate-based separation process for the recovery of CO2 and H2 from the fuel gas mixture and discusses relevant issues from macro and molecular level perspectives. Propane (C3H8) is used as an additive to reduce the operating pressure for hydrate formation and hence the compression costs. Based on gas uptake measurement during hydrate formation, a hybrid conceptual process for pre-combustion capture of CO2 is presented. The result shows that it is possible to separate CO2 from hydrogen and obtain a hydrate phase with 98% CO2 in two stages starting from a mixture of 39.2% CO2. Molecular level work has also been performed on CO2/H2 and CO2/H2/C3H8 systems to understand the mechanism by which propane reduces the operating pressure without compromising the separation efficiency.

Using the NEPTUNE-Canada cable-linked ocean-floor observatory we plan continuous, real-time monitoring of the gas hydrate-associated, “Bullseye” cold vent offshore Vancouver Island. Our group inferred the presence of a massive gas hydrate deposit there, based on the significant resistivity anomaly in our controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) dataset, as well as anomalously heightened shear moduli, from seafloor compliance data. This interpretation was confirmed by drilling by IODP expedition 311 (site U1328), which indicated a 40 m thick gas hydrate layer near the surface. Sporadic venting and variations in blanking in yearly single-channel seismic surveys suggest the system is evolving in time. We are preparing two stationary semi-permanent imaging experiments: a CSEM and a seafloor compliance installation. These are designed not only to assess the extent of the gas hydrate deposit, but also for long-term monitoring of the gas hydrate/free gas system. The principle of the CSEM experiment is to input a particular electromagnetic signal at a transmitter (TX) dipole on the seafloor, and to record the phase and amplitude of the response at several seafloor receiver (RX) dipoles, at various TX-RX separations. The data are sensitive to the underlying resistivity, which is increased when conductive pore water is displaced by electrically-insulating gas hydrate. The experiment is controlled onshore, and can be expanded to include a downhole TX. Repeated soundings at this site, over several years, will allow measurement of minute changes in resistivity as a function of depth, and by inference, changes in gas hydrate or underlying free gas distribution. Similarly, the displacement of pore fluids by solid gas hydrate will affect elastic parameters. Thus, seafloor compliance data, the transfer function between pressure and seafloor displacement time series, most sensitive to shear modulus as a function of depth, will be gathered continuously to monitor the evolution of the gas hydrate distribution.

In the late spring of 2008, the Chevron-led Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrate Joint Industry Project (JIP) expects to conduct an exploratory drilling and logging campaign to better understand gas hydrate-bearing sands in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. The JIP Site Selection team selected three areas to test alternative geological models and geophysical interpretations supporting the existence of potential high gas hydrate saturations in reservoir-quality sands. The three sites are near existing drill holes which provide geological and geophysical constraints in Alaminos Canyon (AC) lease block 818, Green Canyon (GC) 955, and Walker Ridge (WR) 313. At the AC818 site, gas hydrate is interpreted to occur within the Oligocene Frio volcaniclastic sand at the crest of a fold that is shallow enough to be in the hydrate stability zone. Drilling at GC955 will sample a faulted, buried Pleistocene channel-levee system in an area characterized by seafloor fluid expulsion features, structural closure associated with uplifted salt, and abundant seismic evidence for upward migration of fluids and gas into the sand-rich parts of the sedimentary section. Drilling at WR313 targets ponded sheet sands and associated channel/levee deposits within a minibasin, making this a non-structural play. The potential for gas hydrate occurrence at WR313 is supported by shingled phase reversals consistent with the transition from gas-charged sand to overlying gas-hydrate saturated sand. Drilling locations have been selected at each site to 1) test geological methods and models used to infer the occurrence of gas hydrate in sand reservoirs in different settings in the northern Gulf of Mexico; 2) calibrate geophysical models used to detect gas hydrate sands, map reservoir thicknesses, and estimate the degree of gas hydrate saturation; and 3) delineate potential locations for subsequent JIP drilling and coring operations that will collect samples for comprehensive physical property, geochemical and other analyses

Hydrogen is currently considered by many as the “fuel of the future”. It is particularly favoured as a replacement for fossil fuels due to its clean-burning properties; the waste product of combustion being water. While hydrogen is relatively easy to produce, there is currently a lack of practical storage methods for molecular H2, and this is greatly hindering the use of hydrogen as a fuel. Gases are normally stored in vessels under only moderate pressures and in liquid form where possible, which yields the highest energy density. However, to store reasonable quantities of hydrogen in similar volume containers, cryogenic temperatures or extreme pressure are required. Many potential hydrogen storage technologies are currently under investigation, including adsorption on metal hydrides, nanotubes and glass microspheres, and the chemical breakdown of compounds containing hydrogen to release H2. Recent studies have sparked interest in hydrates as a potential hydrogen storage material. The molecular storage of hydrogen in clathrate hydrates could offer significant benefits with regard to ease of formation/regeneration, cost and safety, as compared to other storage materials currently under investigation. Here, we present new experimental hydrate stability data for sII forming hydrogen–water (up to pressures of 180 MPa) and hydrogen–water–tetrahydrofuran systems, the structure-H forming hydrogen–water–methyclycohexane system, and semi-clathrate forming hydrogen–water–tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide/tetra–n-butyl ammonium fluoride systems.

The Batumi Seep Area, offshore Georgia, Black Sea, has been intensively cored (gravity cores and TV-guided multi-cores) to investigate the methane turnover in the surface sediments. The seep area is characterized by vigorous methane gas bubble emanations. Geochemical analyses show a microbial origin of the methane and a shallow fluid source. Anaerobic methane oxidation rapidly consumes the SO4 2- within the top 5-20 cm, but significant upward fluid advection is not indicated by the porewater profiles. Hence, the Batumi Seep Area must be dominated by methane gas seepage in order to explain the required CH4 flux from below. 1-D transport-reaction modelling constrains the methane flux needed to support the observed SO4 2- flux as well as the rate of near-surface hydrate formation. The model results correlate well with the hydro-acoustic backscatter intensities recorded and mapped bubble release sites using the sonar of a ROV.

Hidratos de gás são importantes em questões que vão desde o bloqueio de tubulações na indústria de produção de óleo e gás, até o sequestro de dióxido de carbono, transporte de gás natural, dessalinização de água salgada e purificação de água contaminada. A fim de investigar estes campos e aplicações, necessita-se determinar inicialmente a temperatura e pressão nas quais os hidratos se formam. Isto pode ser feito por meio de experimentos de formação e/ou dissociação de hidratos, bem como utilizando-se de modelos termodinâmicos, correlações empíricas e métodos computacionais. Estudou-se nesse trabalho o desempenho da PC-SAFT na modelagem da fase fluida no equilíbrio da formação de hidratos, comparando seus resultados com a equação de Peng-Robinson e o modelo proposto por Klauda e Sandler. Para a molécula de água, em especial, avaliaram-se as configurações possíveis para o esquema de associação. Para a fase hidrato, avaliou-se a equação de van der Waals e Platteuw (vdWP), e levou-se em conta o efeito das cascas adicionais na estimativa da constante de Langmuir. Por fim, foram propostas duas equações com termos ajustáveis para a fugacidade da água na fase hidrato em função da temperatura, uma linear e outra quadrática, para utilização conjunta com a equação PC-SAFT. Para comparação, quando possível os sistemas foram avaliados com auxílio do software CSMGem. A utilização da equação PC-SAFT em conjunto com as expressões propostas resultou na melhor predição da pressão de equilíbrio em temperaturas determinadas. / Gas hydrates are important for issues that include flow assurance in oil and gas industries, carbon sequestration, natural gas transport, seawater desalinization, and purification of contaminated water. To investigate those fields and applications, temperature and pressure in which hydrates are formed must be determined. This can be done through hydrate formation and/or dissociation experiments, as well as through thermodynamic models, empirical correlations, and computational methods. In this work, the performance of the PC-SAFT in modeling the fluid phase in hydrate phase equilibrium was investigated. Its results were compared to the Peng-Robinson equation of state and to the model proposed by Klauda and Sandler. For the water molecule, different association schemes were considered. For the hydrate phase, the van der Waals and Platteuw (vdWP) equation was used. The effect of additional shells in the estimation of the Langmuir constant was assessed. Finally, equations for water fugacity in hydrate phase, as a function of temperature, were proposed. These equations were intended to be used with the PC-SAFT equation of state, and both linear or quadratic equations were considered. For comparison, when possible the software CSMGem was used to compute the equilibrium conditions. The use of the PC-SAFT EOS, along with the proposed equations, resulted in a better prediction of the equilibrium pressure as a function of temperature.

Hidratos de gás são importantes em questões que vão desde o bloqueio de tubulações na indústria de produção de óleo e gás, até o sequestro de dióxido de carbono, transporte de gás natural, dessalinização de água salgada e purificação de água contaminada. A fim de investigar estes campos e aplicações, necessita-se determinar inicialmente a temperatura e pressão nas quais os hidratos se formam. Isto pode ser feito por meio de experimentos de formação e/ou dissociação de hidratos, bem como utilizando-se de modelos termodinâmicos, correlações empíricas e métodos computacionais. Estudou-se nesse trabalho o desempenho da PC-SAFT na modelagem da fase fluida no equilíbrio da formação de hidratos, comparando seus resultados com a equação de Peng-Robinson e o modelo proposto por Klauda e Sandler. Para a molécula de água, em especial, avaliaram-se as configurações possíveis para o esquema de associação. Para a fase hidrato, avaliou-se a equação de van der Waals e Platteuw (vdWP), e levou-se em conta o efeito das cascas adicionais na estimativa da constante de Langmuir. Por fim, foram propostas duas equações com termos ajustáveis para a fugacidade da água na fase hidrato em função da temperatura, uma linear e outra quadrática, para utilização conjunta com a equação PC-SAFT. Para comparação, quando possível os sistemas foram avaliados com auxílio do software CSMGem. A utilização da equação PC-SAFT em conjunto com as expressões propostas resultou na melhor predição da pressão de equilíbrio em temperaturas determinadas. / Gas hydrates are important for issues that include flow assurance in oil and gas industries, carbon sequestration, natural gas transport, seawater desalinization, and purification of contaminated water. To investigate those fields and applications, temperature and pressure in which hydrates are formed must be determined. This can be done through hydrate formation and/or dissociation experiments, as well as through thermodynamic models, empirical correlations, and computational methods. In this work, the performance of the PC-SAFT in modeling the fluid phase in hydrate phase equilibrium was investigated. Its results were compared to the Peng-Robinson equation of state and to the model proposed by Klauda and Sandler. For the water molecule, different association schemes were considered. For the hydrate phase, the van der Waals and Platteuw (vdWP) equation was used. The effect of additional shells in the estimation of the Langmuir constant was assessed. Finally, equations for water fugacity in hydrate phase, as a function of temperature, were proposed. These equations were intended to be used with the PC-SAFT equation of state, and both linear or quadratic equations were considered. For comparison, when possible the software CSMGem was used to compute the equilibrium conditions. The use of the PC-SAFT EOS, along with the proposed equations, resulted in a better prediction of the equilibrium pressure as a function of temperature.

Considerable research has been done to improve hydrate formation rate. One of the ideas is to introduce mechanical mixing which later tend to complicate the design and operation of the hydrate formation processes. Another approach is to add surfactant (promoter) that will improve the hydrate formation rate and also its storage capacity to be closer to the maximum hydrate storage capacity. Surfactant is widely known as a substance that can lower the surface or interfacial tension of the water when it is dissolved in it. Surfactants are known to increase gas hydrate formation rate, increase storage capacity of hydrates and also decrease induction time. However, the role that surfactant plays in hydrate crystal formation is not well understood. Therefore, understanding of the mechanism through morphology studies is one of the important aspects to be studied so that optimal industrial processes can be designed. In the present study the effect of three commercially available anionic surfactants which differ in its alkyl chain length on the formation/dissociation of hydrate from a gas mixture of 90.5 % methane – 9.5% propane mixture was investigated. The surfactants used were sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS), and sodium hexadecyl sulfate (SHS). Memory water was used and the experiments for SDS were carried out at three different degrees of under-cooling and three different surfactant concentrations. In addition, the effect of the surfactant on storage capacity of gas into hydrate was assessed. The morphology of the growing crystals and the gas consumption were observed during the experiments. The results show that branches of porous fibre-like crystals are formed instead of dendritic crystals in the absence of any additive. In addition, extensive hydrate crystal growth on the crystallizer walls is observed. Also a “mushy” hydrate instead of a thin crystal film appears at the gas/water interface. Finally, the addition of SDS with concentration range between 242ppm – 2200ppm (ΔT =13.10C) was found to increase the mole consumption for hydrate formation by 14.3 – 18.7 times. This increase is related to the change in hydrate morphology whereby a more porous hydrate forms with enhanced water/gas contacts.

Authigenic carbonate rock (ACR) is derived from microbial oxidation of methane, biodegradation of crude oil, and oxidation of sedimentary organic matter. The precipitation of ACR was characterized petrographically, mineralogically, and geochemically. ACR collected from the seafloor in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and ACR recovered from drilled cores in the Krishna-Godawari (KG) basin offshore India were used. All study sites are associated with hydrocarbon gas venting, seepage, free gas, or gas hydrate. ACR from the GOM is densely cemented and extremely irregular in shape, whereas ACR from offshore India is generally an oval-shaped smooth nodule and also densely cemented. The dominant mineral in ACR is authigenic calcite. ACR contains carbon derived from sedimentary organic carbon oxidation that geologically sequesters much fossil carbon. Bulk carbon and oxygen isotopes of ACR were measured. ACR from the GOM is strongly depleted in 13C with ?13C of ?42.5? and enriched in 18O with ?18O of 4.67?. The ?13C of hydrocarbon is typically more depleted in 13C than in the associated ACR. The reason is that authigenic carbonate cements from hydrocarbon oxidation generally enclose skeletal material characterized by normal marine carbonate. Three groups that represent different hydrocarbon sources to ACR were classified in this study: primary carbon sources to ACR from (1) methane plus biodegraded oil, (2) methane, or (3) biodegraded oil. Wide ranges in ?13C (?49.12 to 14.06?) and ?18O ( 1.27 to 14.06?) were observed in ACR from offshore India. In sediments, the ?13C may be affected by differences in the rate of organic carbon oxidation, which generate varying ?13C with depth during methanogenesis. Based on the wide range in ?13C, ACR from offshore India was classified: (1) ?13C may reflect high rates of organic carbon oxidation, (2) ACR may be derived primarily from methane oxidation, and (3) ?13C may reflect low rates of organic carbon oxidation. ?18O values are heavier than those of normal marine carbonates. The ?18O may be caused by reaction with deep-sourced water that was isotopically heavier than ambient seawater. Some samples may reflect heavy ?18O from gas hydrate decomposition, but it would not cause significant heavy oxygen isotopes.