Theoretical analysis of natural gas recovery from marginal wells with a deep well reactor

Current natural gas harvesting technologies are only economically viable at high gas flow rates. Subsequently, a significant quantity of gas remains unused in abandoned wells. Methanotrophic organisms are under development to capitalize on this resource given their preference for ambient conditions, however capital and methane mass transfer costs must be minimized. We propose using the well as the bioreactor negating capital costs, and leveraging the gas pressure for mass transfer. We evaluate the Deep Well Reactor's feasibility by developing mathematical models to simulate mass transfer and explore how operating parameters impact ethanol production. The results show sufficient mass transfer for 100% conversion, despite minimal complexity. Current aerobic methanotrophs and inorganic catalysts provide sufficient reaction rates. Conversely, anaerobic methanotrophs rates must be improved by a factor of 1200. With an appropriate catalyst, this technology allows the recovery of methane at flow rates an order of magnitude lower than current technologies. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 3642–3650, 2017