A 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 (Rrm) 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 (Fm) and isotope ratio (Rpm) of methane from the reservoir; (e) measuring an isotope ratio (Rpw) of a methane precursor in a liquid or vapor sample at one or more time periods; and (f) calculating a flux (Fnm) 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.