“Ladetes”—A novel device to test deformation behaviors of hydrate-bearing sediments

Natural gas hydrate (NGH) exploitation is severely restricted by geotechnical problems. Deformation behaviors of the hydrate-bearing strata (HBS) control the occurrence and evolution of geotechnical problems during extracting natural gas from HBS. In this paper, a novel approach named Ladetes is introduced to evaluate the lateral deformation behaviors of the near-wellbore and fracture-filling regions of the HBS. The pressuremeter test and the flat dilatometer test are designed to simulate the inner boundaries of an NGH-producing well and an artificial stimulation fracture for the first time. The device can realize the in situ hydrate formation prior to the experiment and axial loading application throughout the experiment. Both the strain control mode and the stress control mode can be achieved to estimate the deformation characteristics of HBS under different downhole conditions. Prime experiments proved their adaptability and reliability. The Ladetes provides an effective and alternative way of obtaining geotechnical parameters for HBS.