Earth’s Cryosphere, 2011, Vol. XV, No. 2, p. 65-69

MATHEMATICAL MODELS OF HYDRATE FORMATION IN GAS WELLS

K.K. Argunova, E.A. Bondarev, I.I. Rozhin

Institute of Oil and Gas Problems, SB RAS, 677890, Yakutsk, Oktyabrskaya str., 1, Russia, bondarev@ipng.ysn.ru

A new mathematical model of hydrate formation (dissociation) in gas production wells has been developed. The model is based on the laws of conservation of mass, momentum and energy of real gas flow in tubes. Its essential part is heat exchange with surrounding permafrost. It has been shown that the dynamics of hydrate layer in well mainly depends on the depth of well, pressure and temperature of gas reservoir, natural gas composition and the depth of permafrost. Real histories of gas production for two regions of Russia have been analyzed.

Key words: Gas production, formation and deposition of hydrate, frozen soils, mathematical simulation.

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