Gas hydrate reservoir types, characteristics and development methods

Natural gas hydrate is a new type of energy with huge resource potential and high combustion value. Due to its special occurrence and physical-mechanical properties, economic development of the resources still faces many problems and challenges. The distribution patterns of gas hydrate resources in the sea and on the land as well as the difficulties ever encountered in the exploitation of some major hydrate deposits in the world are studied in this paper as cases. Based on the mining methods selected, the occurrence, accumulation models and reservoir classification of gas hydrate underground are analyzed and discussed. Taking some pilot hydrate production projects as examples, various existing natural gas hydrate mining methods are compared and analyzed for their advantages, disadvantages and application feasibilities. Based upon the above discussion, suitable mining methods are selected and recommended. The paper may provide a reference for establishing a complete natural gas hydrate mining technology system for realization of commercial exploitation in the future.