Methane Hydrates Under Subsurface Mimic Conditions
PI: Devinder Mahajan
Methane hydrates represent a potentially vast source of energy for the United States. At BNL, sediments that are host to methane hydrates are being characterized using computed microtomography (CMT) at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS). Sediment porosity, tortuosity by 3D imaging, mineral composition are being determined and phase diagrams under high pressure and high temperature conditions are being constructed.
At BNL and Stony Brook, work is also being carried out in a newly constructed unit to mimic marine conditions. The unit, named, Flexible Integrated Study of Hydrates (FISH), allows hydrate formation under a variety of conditions. The aim is to develop an understanding of methane hydrate formation (through nucleation) and decomposition kinetics in sediments that are host to hydrates In the marine environment. The data is being modeled to yield in situ behavior of hydrates that is implications for understanding: 1) the biogenic origin of the methane in hydrates, 2) the role of methane in the Carbon cycle (Climate Change) and 3) development of an environmentally-compatible methane extraction method. (DOE/OFE)