Modelling and economic analysis of gas production from hydrates by depressurization method

Gas production from a hydrate reservoir involves decomposition of the solid hydrate. An analytical model is developed to predict reservoir performance for gas production by the depressurization method from a hydrate reservoir containing associated free gas. The model is developed by combining the intrinsic kinetics of hydrate decomposition, which is of interest to chemical engineers, with gas inflow performance relationship and material balance equations. An economic analysis model is also developed and incorporated with the reservoir performance model. These models are used in a case study of gas production from a hydrate reservoir in the Alaskan North Slope. The results show that gas transportation cost is the main factor controlling feasibility of commercial gas production. The hydrate zone contributes significantly to overall reservoir performance by arresting pressure decline and maintaining gas production rate.