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

Abstract

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.