An experimental investigation on methane hydrate morphologies and pore habits in sandy sediment using synchrotron X-ray computed tomography - École des Ponts ParisTech
Article Dans Une Revue Marine and Petroleum Geology Année : 2020

An experimental investigation on methane hydrate morphologies and pore habits in sandy sediment using synchrotron X-ray computed tomography

Thi Xiu Le
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Michel Bornert
Andrew King
Anh Minh A.M. Tang

Résumé

As pore-scale morphologies and spatial distribution (pore habits) of natural gas hydrates in marine sediments considerably affect their physical/mechanical properties, they have extensively been investigated by X-ray computed tomography (XRCT) and especially synchrotron X-Ray computed tomography (SXRCT). While both image spatial and scan temporal resolutions are being improved over time, it is still challenging to distinguish water from methane hydrate in an image due to their low absorption contrast. In this study, methane hydrate formation and growth in wet sand were observed at submicron/micron scale using SXRCT. Saline water (Potassium iodide-KI) was used in order to improve the image contrast. Evolutions of methane hydrate morphologies and distribution at both the pore and sample scales were observed. Results are discussed based on various mechanisms related to material behaviors and experimental conditions, e.g. suction variation during methane hydrate formation, local temperature gradient in the sample, and particularly the interaction of X-rays with the sample. Methane hydrate formation is interpreted as a dynamic process, favoring the Ostwald ripening. Furthermore, morphologies and pore habits of methane hydrates under excess-gas and excess-water conditions are discussed. Some recommendations are finally given for further studies on methane hydrates-bearing sediments via XRCT or SXRCT.
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Dates et versions

hal-03053577 , version 1 (11-12-2020)

Identifiants

Citer

Thi Xiu Le, Michel Bornert, Patrick Aimedieu, Baptiste Chabot, Andrew King, et al.. An experimental investigation on methane hydrate morphologies and pore habits in sandy sediment using synchrotron X-ray computed tomography. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2020, 122, pp.104646. ⟨10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2020.104646⟩. ⟨hal-03053577⟩
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