Turkmen Scientists Propose a New Method to Eliminate the Burning Gas Crater in Darvaza
Turkmen scientists have proposed a new method to extinguish the gas crater that has been burning for more than 60 years in the settlement of Darvaza in the Central Karakum Desert. Specialists from the Research Institute of Natural Gas of the State Concern “Turkmengaz” have developed a solution to eliminate the uncontrolled combustion of the Darvaza crater, where natural gas has been escaping to the surface and burning since 1963. The proposed method is based on drilling a new well and redirecting gas flows.
Taking into account the identified geological and hydrodynamic features, the specialists proposed drilling a production and appraisal well at a neighboring field, the Chaljulba gas field. By intensively extracting gas from the most capacious reservoir in terms of reserves, it is possible to change the direction of filtration flows and significantly reduce the inflow of gas into the Darvaza crater.
The crater, approximately 60 meters in diameter and about 20 meters deep, was formed as a result of an emergency collapse of an exploration well drilled into a gas-bearing structure. Located about 270 kilometers from Ashgabat, it has become a unique natural and technogenic site. At the time of the accident, the escaping gas was ignited to prevent poisoning of people and animals. It was assumed that the combustion would cease within a few days; however, the flame has continued for more than six decades.
The prolonged combustion is explained by the complex geological structure of the Zeagli–Derveze group of gas fields where the crater is located. The geological section is characterized by a large number of thin productive layers at depths ranging from 200 to 950 meters, which are hydrodynamically interconnected. This creates conditions for constant gas migration between the layers.
Previously, attempts were made to survey the crater. Specialists of the State Concern “Turkmengaz” descended to the bottom in hopes of finding remnants of the wellbore and installing wellhead equipment. However, gas emission occurs from numerous outlets, and restoring control over the well proved impossible.
Currently, nine fields of this group are under industrial development, with gas production carried out through 45 wells. For more than forty years, the institute has been conducting comprehensive research in this region.
According to the institute, the implementation of this scientifically grounded solution will make it possible to completely eliminate uncontrolled gas emissions into the atmosphere, reduce environmental impact, and ensure the rational use of Turkmenistan’s natural resources.
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