New Steps to Deep-Water Hydrate Long-Term Mining by Formation Stabilization

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Review: Dong Lin et al.: Long-term production framework …

The authors give a great state-of-the-art introduction on successes and failures of deep-sea gas hydrate mining. It is almost a review article for readers not entirely involved in the topic.

After that the authors suggest a solution for formation breakdowns by designing a suitable injection method which suits all needs of permeability, bearing capacity, and cost effectiveness. This is a theoretical calculation, worth to be made known to the community for further research.

 

This is a really good manuscript, worth to be published soon. It contains a good review of recent techniques and ideas for future progress.

The title is rather technical, I suggest something more compelling for the general reader. Something like: New steps to deep-water hydrate mining by long-term formation stabilization.

As the summary of recent methods is almost complete, I’m missing CO₂ sequestration.  Please add a paragraph on mining technology and formation stabilization using CO₂.

Introduction: please compare only volume with volume (of carbon?) and energy content with energy content (gas – coal)

I’m missing a word on water: decomposing of gas hydrates generates huge amounts of fresh water which should have an effect on the production or formation stability. There is just one mentioning of this phenomenon but I think it has more implication to the mining procedure.

Reference list:

Self-citations appear a little overdone.

Why are there no DOIs? I recommend to include DOIs for easy access to all international readers.

 

I recommend this paper for publication with minor additions.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This paper introduces a novel approach to address sand production and collapse issues in deep-water hydrate layers. It proposes using grouting fracturing technology and chemical principles to create a "reconstruction body" within the hydrate layer. This reconstruction body is formed by injecting a setting liquid that solidifies and reinforces the hydrate layer, preventing sand production. Key design parameters are provided to ensure the reconstruction body's strength and permeability meet production requirements. Overall, this study offers a new solution for effectively producing hydrates while preventing sand-related problems. This study is important because it presents an innovative method for preventing sand-related issues in deep-water hydrate layers, enabling more effective and sustainable hydrate production.

 

Issue 1. The paper's readability is hindered by its lack of adherence to the widely recognized IMRaD structure; the authors should adopt a conventional format, clearly outlining Methods, Results, and Discussion to enhance reader comprehension.

 

Issue 2. The literature review is competently presented; however, it predominantly draws from the experiences of a limited number of authors. I strongly advise incorporating the works of authors from diverse backgrounds. Provide information about the importance of gas hydrate extraction in a context where it is geographically located (different parts of the world like the Gulf of Mexico, the Black Sea). Enhance this part with more current studies, for example

Johnson, J.E.; MacLeod, D.R.; Phillips, S.C.; Phillips, M.P.; Divins, D.L. Primary deposition and early diagenetic effects on the high saturation accumulation of gas hydrate in a silt dominated reservoir in the Gulf of Mexico. Marine Geology, 2022, 444, 106718. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.margeo.2021.106718

Bazaluk, O.; Sai, K.; Lozynskyi, V.; Petlovanyi, M.; Saik, P. Research into Dissociation Zones of Gas Hydrate Deposits with a Heterogeneous Structure in the Black Sea. Energies 2021, 14, 1345. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14051345

etc.

 

Issue 3. Could you elaborate on the specific techniques or procedures used in the grouting fracturing technology and chemical sand control principles applied in the study's methodology?

 

Issue 4. How were the geological characteristics of hydrate formation in the targeted area taken into account when designing the parameters for the reconstruction body, and can you explain these design considerations?

 

Issue 5. What methods or tests were employed to assess the long-term compressive strength and permeability characteristics of the reconstruction body, and how do these align with the requirements for effective hydrate production?

 

Issue 6. Consider the long-term effects of the proposed methodology on the stability of the hydrate reservoirs and the surrounding environment, and discuss any monitoring or mitigation measures.

 

Issue 7. Suggest potential avenues for future research, such as experimental validation of the methodology and the development of real-world case studies to assess its effectiveness and sustainability.

 

 

Issue 8. In the concluding section of the paper, it is vital to emphasize the distinctive and significant features of the research, enabling readers to comprehend the study's novelty and its potential implications for future research and practical applications. Therefore, it is essential to eloquently articulate the innovative aspects of the research in the paper's final remarks. 

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

All comments were considered.
The paper can be accepted for publication.