In early 2004, the Japanese completed field operations for a second metane hydrate exploration program in the Nankai Trough. Japan's METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, restructured in 2001 from MITI, Ministry of International Trade and Industry) led the project to evaluate geologic prospects off central Japan, part of an ongoing research program to evaluate natural methane hydrates as a potential energy source. The operations in January to May 2004 were based on the technologies developed during the first exploration campaign in 1999 to 2000. The 2004 program was organized by the JNOC (Japan Nation Oil Corp., restructured to JOGMEC, Japan Oil, Gas, and Metals National Corp. in 2004) in collaboration with JAPEX (Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. Ltd.) as the drilling operator and with TOC (Teikoku Oil Co. Ltd.). In total, 32 wells were drilled through the BSR (bottom-simulating reflector) horizon at the water depth of 720 m to 2,033 m over a 122-day period. Sixteen wells were logged while drilling (LWD). Two wells had high accuracy BHT (borehole temperature) sensors installed. Two wells were wireline-logged, 12 wells were cored, and 2 wells (including one horizontal well) were cased and used experimentally to verify technologies for the future. All scheduled programs were performed successfully with the deepwater research vessel JOIDES Resolution, operated by Transocean Inc. This article introduces the general program, including logging while drilling, wireline logging, and coring activites. The concluding part will provide details of the experimental drilling program, the borehole temperature-sensing program and a discussion of the drilling and operational issues encountered while drilling for natural hydrates in the Nankai Trough.
Japan explores for hydrates in the Nankai Trough. Offshore Japan - 1
Japans Explorationen in der Nanakai-Mulde auf Gashydrat im Offshore-Gebiet
Oil and Gas Journal ; 103 , 33 ; 48-53
2005
6 Seiten, 3 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 8 Quellen
Article (Journal)
English
Japan , Offshore-Gebiet , Gas , Hydrat , Exploration , Bohrung (Bergbau)
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