Characterization and quantification of the methane hydrate resource potential associated with the Barrow Gas Field

Authors: Thomas Walsh, Peter Stokes, Manmath Panda, Tom Morahan, David Greet, Steve MacRae, Praveen Singh, and Shirish Patil

Venue: 6th International Conference on Gas Hydrates (ICGH 2008), Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA, July 6-10, 2008. http://www.icgh.org.

Abstract: The North Slope of Alaska has significant methane hydrate resource potential, and results of previous studies suggest that gas hydrates exist in the Barrow area. Currently, gas from three producing fields provides heating and electricity for Barrow, the economic, transportation, and administrative center of the North Slope Borough. As energy demands grow, it is important to characterize, quantify, and evaluate the potential impact of the postulated gas hydrate accumulation to guide future development, and assess the resource value of the hydrates. The Barrow Gas Fields (BGF) provide an excellent opportunity to study the interaction between a producing free gas reservoir and an overlying hydrate accumulation. A phased research program is underway, funded jointly by the U.S. Department of Energy- NETL and the North Slope Borough to: prepare a research management plan; establish a context for the study based on prior and ongoing research; model the hydrate stability zone associated with the three BGF's; characterize the reservoir properties; model production characteristics of the fields; and select an optimum hydrate test well location in Barrow. Modeling work completed in Phase 1A of the study supports the existence of methane hydrates in association with the BGF's. Phase 1A included sampling and analysis of produced gas; determination of temperature and pressure gradient; and modeling of hydrate stability. In Phase 1B, a detailed reservoir characterization will be completed to: support simulation of hydrate production methodologies; quantify the hydrate resource; and facilitate selection of an optimum location for a methane hydrate test well. If justified by results of Phase 1, Phase 2 of the study would include the design and drilling of a dedicated gas hydrate well near Barrow. This study will contribute to understanding the role of gas hydrate in recharging a producing gas field, while providing substantial commercial and social benefits for the NSB.

Related NETL Project
This presentation is related to the NETL project DE-FC26-06NT42962, “Characterization and Quantification of the Methane Hydrate Resource Potential Associated with the Barrow Gas Fields” The objectives of this study are to characterize and quantify the postulated methane hydrate resource in the vicinity of Barrow, Alaska. The focus of study will be the Barrow Gas Fields- three producing fields located in a permafrost region of the North Slope. A phased approach will allow for timely evaluation and adjustment of methods and objectives as new findings are obtained. The objectives of Phase 1 are to integrate prior research efforts with the current knowledge base to determine if gas hydrates exist in association with the Barrow Gas Fields. If supported by results of Phase 1, the objectives for Phase 2 are to sample and production test the resource to determine its impact on future free gas production and its viability as an energy source.

Project Contacts
NETL – Robert Vagnetti (Robert.Vagnetti@netl.doe.gov or 304-285-1334)
Petrotechnical Resources of Alaska – Thomas Walsh (tom@petroak.com or 907-272-1232)