The Current Situation and Suggestions for Water-Soluble Gas Development Technology at Home and Abroad

Water-soluble natural gas (referred to as water-soluble gas) is a kind of unconventional energy resource with huge reserves, presenting considerable development potential. However, systematic theoretical research and mature exploitation technology of it are still lacking. The distribution and exploitation status of water-soluble gas reserves at home and abroad are introduced in detail in this paper. In addition, the main research progresses in technologies for developing water-soluble gas are summarized, including the basic principle and field test of the technology combined geothermal water-soluble gas extraction and carbon dioxide geological storage, and the technology of produced-water reinjection. Following that, the research results of the influence of gas-water interface and water invasion law are also presented. According to the analysis, although the researches on water-soluble gas development technology have achieved some success, corresponding systematic theoretical system and economical, effective, safe and reliable development technology capable of comprehensive utilization are still yet to be formed. Therefore, it is necessary to attach great importance to the research on the exploration and development technology of water-soluble gas to enable the effective exploration and production of water-soluble gas in China and provide new ideas for safeguarding national energy security.