Evolution on the Gas Production from Low Permeability Gas Hydrate Reservoirs by Depressurization Combined with Reservoir Stimulation

As a possible energy source, natural gas hydrates have garnered worldwide interest. Gas hydrate reservoirs are characterized by burial depth, low permeability, and low production rate. This study presents a new method to exploit marine gas hydrates: deploy depressurization after reservoir stimulation by fracturing. The characteristics of gas production were analyzed using numerical simulation techniques. It was found that reservoir stimulation is beneficial to the extension of a low-pressure region. The temperature of the lower part of the hydrate reservoir was increased. The decrease of percolating resistance accelerated the gas-liquid flow, which contributes to gas production in the middle and later stages of production. It was found that the increase in the radius of reservoir stimulation does not significantly improve the gas production rate. The results of this research illustrate how reservoir stimulation affects gas production behavior from hydrate reservoirs and offers some insight into the application of optimal production strategies for the use of hydrate resources.