An engineering study to investigate the methane hydrate resource potential associated with the Barrow gas fields in Alaska

Abstract

"Previous studies on the Barrow Gas Fields (BGF) in Alaska have suggested that accumulations of natural gas hydrates could exist within these reservoirs. In consideration of future energy challenges, and the potential of gas hydrates in meeting them, a comprehensive engineering study was undertaken to investigate the BGF for hydrates, and to recommend an optimal plan for future field development. The methane hydrate resource potential of the BGF, viz. the East Barrow (EB), South Barrow (SB), and Walakpa (WAL) gas pools, was analyzed by developing gas hydrate stability models. Material balance studies were performed on the EB gas field to understand the reservoir drive mechanisms. Gas-water relative permeability experiments were conducted on a hydrate-saturated consolidated core sample, by maintaining the EB reservoir conditions, to model two-phase fluid flow behavior. Finally, field-scale dynamic reservoir simulation models were developed for the EB and WAL gas fields. Production history data were matched, reservoir drive mechanisms were confirmed, free gas and hydrate resources were quantified, hydrate dissociation patterns were examined, optimum locations for drilling infill wells were identified, and future production scenarios were simulated. Findings from this work indicate that BGF are associated with hydrates that are constantly recharging the gas reservoir by dissociation"--Leaf iii