Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2012, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (5): 93-99.doi: 10.11978/j.issn.1009-5470.2012.05.014cstr: 32234.14.j.issn.1009-5470.2012.05.014

• Marine Mineral Resources and Their Development • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Application of X-ray computed tomography in natural gas hydrate research

LI Cheng-feng1, 2, 3, HU Gao-wei2, 3, LIU Chang-ling2, 3, YE Yu-guang2, 3, ZHENG Rong-er1   

  1. 1. Optics and Optoelectronics Laboratory, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; 2. Key Laboratory of Marine Hydrocarbon Resources and Environment Resources, Ministry of Land and Resources, Qingdao 266071, China; 3. Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Qingdao 266071, China
  • Received:2011-08-30 Online:2012-11-01 Published:2013-02-06

Abstract: This paper gives a review of the application of X-ray computed tomography (X-CT) in natural gas hydrate research, emphasizing sediment structure analysis and dynamics process. X-CT is a non-destructive technique, which is used to analyze the spatial structure of an object. For in-depth study of natural gas hydrate, X-CT plays an increasingly important role in observing the interior spatial structure of natural gas hydrate sediments and assessing the physical properties of these sediments, such as porosity, saturation, and permeability. In terms of identifying natural gas hydrate formation and dissociation process, X-CT imaging has the advantages of being real-time, intuitive and accurate. The measuring principle, apparatus and the important aspects for future hydrate research based on X-CT are also discussed.

Key words: X-ray computerized tomography, natural gas hydrate, porous media, physical properties, X-CT imaging

CLC Number: 

  • P618.13