New Insights into Fluids Physics: Gas Chimney Interference and Fracturing Stimulation

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Xi'an Shiyou University in the People's Republic of China have conducted a study on the dynamics of gas chimney interference and fracturing stimulation in stratified marine hydrate reservoirs. A 5-year depressurization process was conducted to assess the potential interferences of gas chimney on production performance, and the results showed that higher production efficiency could be achieved through the co-production of the MH layer I and free gas layer. The presence of a gas chimney negatively impacted gas recovery, and the implementation of long-length hydraulic fractures within MH layer I resulted in a significant increase in wellbore gas production.

Key Takeaways:

  • A stratified hydrate reservoir model incorporating a gas chimney was established to evaluate the potential for co-producing methane hydrate (MH) layers I and II, along with the free gas layer.
  • A 5-year depressurization process showed that higher production efficiency could be achieved through the co-production of the MH layer I and free gas layer.
  • The presence of a gas chimney negatively impacted gas recovery, especially when it had higher vertical permeability and greater extension.
  • Long-length hydraulic fractures within MH layer I resulted in a magnitude increase in wellbore gas production, with gas output rising up to about 26 times compared to the scenario without hydraulic fracturing.
  • The effects of fracture thickness and density on hydrate dissociation and gas output were less pronounced compared to the impact of fracture length.
  • The implementation of artificial barriers helped stabilize the gas production rate and improve the gas-water ratio at the wellhead.
  • The research concluded that controlling water flow within the reservoir is crucial, and the impact of natural gas chimneys should be considered during actual reservoir stimulation.

Statistics:

  • The gas output rose up to 26 times with the implementation of long-length hydraulic fractures within MH layer I.
  • The climate of the People's Republic of China is relevant for the research on this topic.
  • The study has been peer-reviewed and published in Physics of Fluids.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers at Xi'an Shiyou University Have Reported New Data on Fluids Physics (Gas Chimney Interference and Fracturing Stimulation for Developing Stratified Marine Hydrate Reservoirs). Journal of Physics Research. October 21, 2025; p 610.
  • Aip Publishing. Physics of Fluids. 2025;37(9).
  • American Institute of Physics. Physics of Fluids. www.aip.org/.