A.D. Duchkov

Thermal conductivity measurement of the synthetic samples of bottom sediments containing methane hydrates

The experimental setup is described, which makes it possible to simulate the quartz sand samples, containing methane hydrates, and to measure their thermal conductivity, using a needle probe of constant power. The method and results of measurements at different temperatures and pressures are considered. It is established that under the P-T-conditions close to the equilibrium for methane hydrate, the measurements result in the essential overestimation of the thermal conductivity the samples, i.e., to an anomalous increase in its calculated values. This is because of the dissociation (with the heat consumption) of the part of hydrates near the needle probe under the action of its heater. It is possible to conclude that this feature (the anomalous increase in the calculated values of thermal conductivity) is certain evidence for the presence of a noticeable quantity of hydrates in the sediments. This observation offers a new possibility of utilization of the geothermal method for prospecting the subsea gas hydrate accumulations. Our conclusions are confirmed by the results of measurements in situ of the thermal conductivity of the bottom sediment of the Black Sea [Kutas et al., 2005].

Laboratory modeling and measurement of the acoustic properties of methane-bearing rock samples

The laboratory equipment for simulation of methane-bearing rock samples and study of their acoustic properties (velocities of P- and S-waves) is described briefly. The experimental results are considered.

Equipment for the studies of the acoustic properties of hydrate-containing samples in laboratory conditions

Equipment for simulation in laboratory conditions of hydrate-containing artificial samples and measuring their acoustic properties (wave velocities, absorption and attenuation) at different temperature and pressures is designed and constructed. The plant consists of a high-pressure chamber (up to 45 MPa), a measuring system intended for the excitation and reception of acoustic waves, systems for temperature and pressure control (axial and lateral) and for gas/liquid delivery into the sample. The measurements are performed on cylindrical samples with a 30-mm diameter and height of 10–50 mm. A set of successful test experiments was performed, including measurements of acoustic velocities of consolidated (plexiglas, sandstone, and frozen sand) and unconsolidated (dry and wet quartz sand) samples and formation of methane-hydrate bearing samples.

Velocities of Ultrasonic Waves in Sand Samples Containing Water, Ice, or Methane and Tetrahydrofuran Hydrates (Laboratory Measurements)

We analyze the results of investigations of acoustic properties (velocities of longitudinal and transversal waves) in sand samples containing different amounts of water, ice, and methane or tetrahydrofuran hydrates in the pores using a special laboratory setup.

Carriers of magnetism and vertical inhomogeneities in ultramafic-mafic rocks of the Kondyor Massif (Aldan shield)

Dunite samples from a borehole drilled in the platiniferous concentrically-zoned Kondyor Massif are studied by electron spin resonance (ESR). The spectrum profiles, relative intensities I, and volume magnetic susceptibilities κ are analyzed. These values experience strong irregular variations, sometimes by an order of magnitude, in the upper and medium parts of the column, at depths from 100 to 400 m; and the variations decay at greater depths. The magnetic properties of the samples are determined by iron (II) ions in the olivine lattice and by iron (III) ions in the magnetite and pyrrhotite microphases and in the products of breakdown of the solid solution: chromiferous magnetite, chromoferrite, etc. The I and κ values are directly related: κmax = 27.8 × 10−3 SI units, κmin=2.63 × 10−3 SI units, and κmean = 12.7 × 10−3 SI units. The maximum κ values are found in the zones with elevated contents of magnetite and pyrrhotite particles, and the minimum ones, in zones with few medium and small clusters with Fe3+ ions. The uneven distributions of solid solutions and magnetic phases over depths are suggested to be related to the disturbances in the conditions of crystallization.