Gas Hydrate Pressure Core Sub-Sampling in Korea
In November 2009, Matt and Peter worked with Dr. Joo-Yong Lee at KIGAM (Korean Institute of Geoscience & Mineral Resources) to cut five sediment samples from a gas-hydrate-rich pressure core and transfer them into test chambers.
The new chambers, dubbed GHOBS (Gas Hydrate Ocean Bottom Simulators), were designed by KIGAM for production testing at in situ effective stresses. The Fugro Pressure Core (FPC) had been stored for nearly 2 years at high pressure (170 bar) and low temperatures (6˚C). These conditions were maintained throughout the cutting and transfer process of the 50 mm long samples using a subset of the new Geotek PCATS (Pressure Core Analysis and Transfer System). The successful development of the cutting and sub-sampling system will substantially increase the flexibility of the PCATS equipment on subsequent gas hydrate pressure coring expeditions.
Matt and PCATS with GHOBS attached
X-ray of interval to be sampled, with hydrate in white
GHOBS with fresh hydrate-bearing samples