  In this study, a radial analytical model for methane hydrate dissociation
upon thermal stimulation in porous media considering the effect of wellbore
structure has been developed. The analytical approach is based on a similarity
solution employing a moving boundary separating the dissociated and
undissociated zones. Two different heat sources are considered: i) line heat
source; and ii) wellbore heat source with specific thickness consisting of
casing, gravel, and cement. The temperature and pressure distributions,
dissociation rate, and energy efficiency considering various initial and
boundary conditions, and reservoir properties are investigated. Direct heat
transfer from the heat source to the reservoir without considering the heat
conduction in the wellbore thickness causes higher the dissociation rate and
gas production in the line heat source model compared to the wellbore heating
model. Increasing the heat source temperature or decreasing its pressure
increases gas production. However, employing them simultaneously results in
greater gas production but reduces energy efficiency. The dissociation rate has
direct relation with porosity, thermal diffusivities, and thermal
conductivities of the reservoir, but is not dependent on the reservoirs
permeability.
