Method and System for Monitoring The Incursion of Particulate Material into A Well Casing within Hydrocarbon Bearing Formations including Gas Hydrates

Abstract

A method and system for monitoring any incursion of particulate matter from a gas hydrate formation into a well casing used for the production of the gas hydrate and determining the degree of incursion of particulate material within the distal end of the well casing.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for determining the degree of incursion of particulate matter into a well casing used in the production of gas from a subterranean gas hydrate formation, said system comprising:
 a vibrator connected beneath a submersible pump positioned within the well casing for pumping gas and water out of the well casing;   a vibration bar connected to said vibrator and extending toward the distal end of the well casing, wherein observation of the vibration mode of said vibration bar enables estimation of the interface between fluid and particulate material within the distal end of the well casing.