Tracer method to estimate rates of methane generation through augmentation or biostimulation of the sub-surface

摘要

A method for determining the flux of methane newly generated through manipulation of a sub-surface environment. The method comprises: (a) measuring a baseline isotope ratio (R_rm) in methane pre-existing in the reservoir; (b) manipulating the reservoir to facilitate biogenic production of new methane in the reservoir; (c) injecting a substance labeled with the isotope into the reservoir; (d) measuring a flux (F_m) and isotope ratio (R_pm) of methane from the reservoir; (e) measuring an isotope ratio (R_pw) of a methane precursor in a liquid or vapor sample at one or more time periods; and (f) calculating a flux (F_nm) of the new methane from the reservoir according to an isotope mass balance, such as wherein α=isotope fractionation factor between the methane pre-cursor and the new methane.