InterPore2025

Fine Particle Migration and Clogging Mechanisms in Gas Hydrate Reservoirs: Insights from Pore Network Simulation and Experimental Analysis

Not scheduled

15m

Oral Presentation (MS03) Flow, transport and mechanics in fractured porous media MS03

Speaker

Shu Yang

Description

Gas hydrates represent a vast and clean energy source. However, during the depressurization extraction process, the migration and deposition of fine particles can lead to clogging of flow channels, which restricts commercial production. Although some continuum-scale theoretical models for fine particle migration in hydrate reservoirs have been developed, they fail to account for inter-particle interactions, which significantly influence clogging. Therefore, mathematical representations and computational models to describe the discontinuous migration and deposition behaviors of fine particles at the micro-scale need to be established. In this study, a pore network model is developed to simulate the structure of natural gas hydrate reservoirs with varying porosities and particle size distributions. Considering forces such as gravity, drag, lift, and Coulomb forces, the Lagrangian particle tracking method is employed to calculate the forces, velocities, and trajectories of fine particles in real-time. The model also simulates clogging mechanisms including bridging, blocking, and sieving, dynamically updating the pore network structure and corresponding permeability. Sensitivity analyses are conducted on factors such as fine particle concentration, pressure gradient, pore size-to-particle size ratio, heterogeneity and gas-liquid ratio. Microfluidic model experiments at the pore scale are also carried out for comparative validation to explore the critical conditions for fine particle clogging and the influence of increased pressure gradient on clogging remediation. This work aims to clarify the migration and clogging behavior of fine particles and provide theoretical support and engineering optimization solutions for the scientific prevention and control of sand production during gas hydrate depressurization extraction.