Experimental techniques for permeability and mechanical properties of hydrate-bearing sediments

Abstract

The permeability and mechanical properties of hydrate-bearing sediments are important basic parameters for natural gas hydrate drilling and exploitation. It is difficult to obtain and preserve the actual gas hydrate specimens for measurements of these characteristics. Experimental techniques are considered to be essential and unique methods to obtain the parameters of the permeability and mechanical of gas hydrate-bearing sediments. Here, we summarize the principle, experimental apparatus, and methods for determinations of permeability and mechanical properties of hydrate-bearing sediments. We have also developed two experimental equipments for researches of the relationship between the permeability, mechanical properties, and gas hydrate saturation in different sediments, respectively. The combination, configuration, and advantages of the two equipments, as well as some preliminary experimental results, were introduced in this chapter.