Messoyakha Gas Field

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The Messoyakha gas field is an often used example of production of in-situ gas hydrates. Located in the north of the Siberian Basin, it is a conventional gas field where the presence of gas hydrates have been documented to exist. There is conflicting evidence as to whether the gas hydrates are being produced currently with some research indicating that the production data demonstrates their production. While other research suggest that the gas hydrates are not contributing to the current production.

[edit] Production History

Messoyakha was brought into production in 1970 and was brought off production by 1978. Production was resumed at a significantly lower rate than the initial rates in 1980 and continues to this day. During the initial production rate the pressure drop in the reservoir does not decrease as rapidly as expected and increases by 2MPa when shut-in between 1978-80.

Petroleum engineers and Geologists point to the subsequent production from 1980 and the increase in pressure as evidence of the gas hydrates producing into the Messoyakha reservoir formation.

The Messoyakha reservoir is located underneath the gas hydrate where it is believed that the depressurization of the reservoir due to conventional gas production led to the depressurization and dissociation of gas from the hydrates.