Predicting the Presence of Natural Gas Hydrates Potential in the Maritime Regions of Pakistan by Correlating Experimental Study and Pre Available Seismic Surveys

ABSTRACT

This paper provides a feasibility model of using satellite imaging technology to indicate hydrate presence and evaluate gas hydrate saturation trapped in the premises of Pakistan. The study compiles an effort to justify the potential of gas hydrates in Pakistan and their effective extraction. Satellite images of the Arabian Sea are correlated with previously available Bottom Simulating Reflectors (BSRs) to predict the presence of hydrates and potential energy trapped in them. Additionally, the innovative and optimistic hydrate-detection technique of thermal imaging is merged to add the methodological value. The thermal gradient helps to understand the thermodynamic behavior of subsea natural gas hydrates in particular area. Unfortunately, gas production from hydrates is still commercially unaccepted because very limited ventures have been launched in this domain. But no doubt, all those limited projects have shown very promising results. In case of Pakistan, the prolific expedition to hunt for hydrates was made in 1998 with Pak-Germany collaboration. The expedition revealed that the gas hydrates buried under Makran Coast in the Arabian Sea are around 29% saturated with methane gas; 7.5% free gas also exists with hydrates. Further, the BSRs in the Arabian Sea are traced at the depth of 500 to 800 m below the seafloor. On the other hand, demand for natural gas rises by 60 to 75 MMCFD every year in Pakistan; therefore, the development of natural gas hydrates can be a prudent solution to meet the future energy demand of whole country. The novelty of this paper is the incorporation of satellite imaging technology to prove natural gas hydrate potential in the maritime vicinity of Pakistan.

KEYWORDS:

• Natural gas hydrates
• hydrates potential
• Pakistan
• energy supply
• future energy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ubedullah Ansari

Ubedullah Ansari achieved Bachelor degree in Petroleum & Natural Gas Engineering and Master Degree in Petroleum Engineering both from Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan. Currently enrolled as PhD. Research Scholar at China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, China and working as Lecturer at Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan.

Yuanfang Cheng

Yuanfang Cheng is one of the renowned Professor working at School of Petroleum, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, China. Currently, working on National and international projects related to rock mechanics, Shale gas and natural gas hydrates.

Muhammad Khan Memon

Muhammad Khan Memon achieved PhD. Degree from University Teknology Petronas, Malaysia in Petroleum Engineering. Currently, working as Assistant Professor at Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan.

Ahsan Nabi

Ahsan Nabi completed Bachelor degree in Petroleum & Natural Gas Engineering from Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan. Currently enrolled as Masters Student at China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, China.

Tian WanQing

Tian WanQing accomplished Bachelor degree in Petroleum Engineering from China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, China. Currently enrolled as Masters Student at China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, China.