Analysis and assessment of methane content in water-dissolved gases of control horizons at the Osipovichi underground gas storage (Republic of Belarus)

   The article examines issues related to the operational features of the Osipovichi underground gas storage (UGS) facility, conditioned by the complexity of its geological structure. Over many years of operation, natural gas migration from the storage area into overlying horizons has been observed. In these horizons, the gas dissolves in formation waters and concurrently forms low-pressure accumulations, typically within control horizons. In this regard, the primary research focuses on analyzing the methane content in the water-dissolved gases of the control horizons based on geo-ecological monitoring data from the Osipovichi UGS and identifying areas of sporadic gas accumulations within the geological structure. The paper briefly provides information on the geological structure of the UGS facility, incorporating data obtained during its operation.

   Special attention is paid to the storage caprock and the control horizons within its limits.

   The results of geo-ecological monitoring regarding methane content in the water-dissolved gases of the storage’s control horizons are presented as graphs showing temporal variations and spatial distribution. The research findings are aimed at improving the operational efficiency of the Osipovichi UGS by involving low-pressure natural gas accumulations in the control horizons into industrial use.

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