Characterization and physical properties of hydrate bearing sediments

The amount of carbon trapped in hydrates is estimated to be larger than in conventional oil and gas reservoirs, thus methane hydrate is a promising energy resource. The high water pressure and the relatively low temperature needed for hydrate stability restrict the distribution of methane hydrates to continental shelves and permafrost regions. Stability conditions add inherent complexity to coring, sampling, handling, testing and data interpretation, have profound implications on potential production strategies. Thus a novel technology is developed for handling, transferring, and testing of natural hydrate bearing sediments without depressurization in order to preserve the sediment structure. Results from the first deployment of these tools on natural samples from Nankai Trough, Japan will also be summarized. Finally, to avoid consequences of poor sampling, a new multi-sensor in-situ characterization tool will be introduced.