A rigorous study was conducted to assess the potential
of a novel
“in situ heat generation method using heat generation powders”
for natural gas hydrate (NGH) exploitation. This method was evaluated
based on its ability to accelerate NGH decomposition through efficient
heating. The experiment meticulously examined the impact of heat generation
powders thermal stimulation (HPTS) on gas extraction from hydrate-bearing
sediments (HBSs) at temperatures of 14 and 8 °C. Key parameters,
such as gas production, temperature variations, energy efficiency,
and thermal efficiency, were closely monitored throughout the NGH
exploitation process. The study documented the cementation of HBS,
where hydration products bonded loose sand grains after hydrate decomposition.
Additionally, it provided a comprehensive overview of the five major
mechanisms of heat generation powders: in situ heat supply, high expansion
force, cementation, porosity enhancement, and increased pore volume.
Gas production was feasible at both 14 and 8 °C, with the in
situ hydration reaction at 14 °C demonstrating greater intensity,
leading to higher average gas production rates, rapid cementation
of loose sand grains, and reduced hydration and exploitation durations.
HPTS effectively mitigated temperature disturbances, fostering a safer
and more stable environment for NGH exploitation. Notably, the energy
efficiency (η) and thermal efficiency (ξ) of HPTS surpassed
those of traditional thermal stimulation methods at both HBS temperatures.
At 8 °C, HPTS exhibited superior η and ξ, reaching
values of 13.255 and 0.8109, respectively, thus offering substantial
advantages over conventional methods. Post-experiment observations
revealed that hydration products facilitated the cementation of all
loose sand particles in Reservoir 1 and a portion in Reservoir 2,
forming visually striking cemented cores. The findings underscored
HPTS’s ability to deliver favorable gas production, improved
heat transfer, and exceptional HBS cementation. With three hydration
heat regulation methods, the hydration heat for heating the reservoir
skeleton is expected to be further reduced, increasing the proportion
of hydration heat consumed in hydrate decomposition, thereby enhancing
heat utilization efficiency and achieving higher η. In conclusion,
the HPTS method demonstrates significant promise at HBS temperatures
of 14 and 8 °C, with the potential to drive sustainable development
and foster environmentally friendly production practices.