CO₂ geological sequestration in heterogeneous binary media: Effects of geological and operational conditions

Reza Ershadnia, Corey D. Wallace, Mohamad Reza Soltanian

Abstract view|943|times       PDF download|440|times

Abstract


    

Realistic representation of subsurface heterogeneity is essential to better understand and effectively predict the migration and trapping patterns of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) during geological carbon sequestration (GCS). Many candidate aquifers for GCS have sedimentary architectures which reflect fluvial deposition, where coarser-grained facies with higher-permeability (e.g., sandstone) are juxtaposed within finer-grained facies with lower-permeability (e.g., shale). Because the subsurface is difficult to access and sample, geostatistical methods are often used to model the spatial distribution of geological facies across different scales. We use a transition-probability based approach to simulate heterogeneous systems with binary facies distributions and the resulting petrophysical properties at the field scale. The approach produces heterogeneity fields which honor observable and physical facies attributes (e.g., volumetric proportions, mean lengths, and juxtapositional tendencies). Further, we use the associated facies-dependent properties for both relative permeability and capillary pressure relations and their hysteretic behavior. Heterogeneous facies models are used to investigate the sensitivity of different trapping mechanisms (i.e., dissolution, residual trapping) as well as CO2 plume dynamics to variability in (1) the spatial organization and connectivity of sedimentary facies types; (2) aquifer temperature; (3) CO2 injection period; (4) perforation length; and (5) the level of impurity, represented here as methane (CH4 ) present in injected CO2 streams. Model results show that the magnitudes of residual and solubility trapping are reduced by increasing the percentage and degree of connectivity of high-permeability facies. An increase in aquifer temperature leads to a decrease in residual trapping and an increase in solubility trapping. Results also reveal that for a given volume of injected CO2 , shorter injection times yield higher total amounts of trapped CO2 . Similarly, wells perforated over a shorter thickness of the aquifer contribute to an increase in both residual and solubility trapping. We also find that increased CH4 concentrations in the injected CO2 streams decrease residual trapping while increasing solubility trapping. This effect is more pronounced at shallower depths, where the pressure and temperature of the aquifer are lower.

Cited as: Ershadnia, R., Wallace, C.D., Soltanian, M.R. CO2 geological sequestration in heterogeneous binary media: Effects of geological and operational conditions. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2020, 4(4): 392-405, doi: 10.46690/ager.2020.04.05


Keywords


Binary media, aquifer heterogeneity, transition-probability, facies connectivity, perforation length, impurity in CO2 stream, injection period, aquifer temperature

Full Text:

PDF

References


Abdi-Khanghah, M., Bemani, A., Naserzadeh, Z., et al. Prediction of solubility of n-alkanes in supercritical CO2 using rbf-ann and mlp-ann. J. CO2 Util. 2018, 25: 108-119.

Abubakar, A., Habashy, T.M. .Three-dimensional single-well imaging of the multi-array triaxial induction logging data, in SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2006, Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Tulsa, pp. 411-415, 2006.

Al-Khdheeawi, E.A., Vialle, S., Barifcani, A., et al. Effect of wettability heterogeneity and reservoir temperature on CO2 storage efficiency in deep saline aquifers. Int. J. Greenhouse Gas Control 2018, 68: 216-229.

Amooie, M.A., Hemmati-Sarapardeh, A., Karan, K., et al. Data-driven modeling of interfacial tension in impure CO2 -brine systems with implications for geological carbon storage. Int. J. Greenhouse Gas Control 2019, 90: 102811.

Bachu, S. Review of CO2 storage efficiency in deep saline aquifers. Int. J. Greenhouse Gas Control 2015, 40: 188-202.

Bahrami, B., Sadatshojaie, A., Wood, D.A. Assessing wellbore stability with a modified lade failure criterion. J. Energy Resour. Technol. 2020, 142(8): 083004.

Baz, H., Noureldin, M., Allinson, W., et al. A field-scale investigation of residual and dissolution trapping of CO2 in a saline formation in western australia. Int. J. Greenhouse Gas Control 2016, 46: 86-99.

Bemani, A., Baghban, A., Mohammadi, A.H., et al. Estimation of adsorption capacity of CO2 , CH4 , and their binary mixtures in quidam shale using lssvm: Application in CO2 enhanced shale gas recovery and CO2 storage. J. Nat. Gas Sci. Eng. 2020a, 76: 103204.

Bemani, A., Baghban, A., Mosavi, A. Estimating CO2 -brine diffusivity using hybrid models of anfis and evolutionary algorithms. Eng. Appl. Comput. Fluid Mech. 2020b, 14(1): 818-834.

Bianchi, M., Pedretti, D. Geological entropy and solute transport in heterogeneous porous media. Water Resour. Res. 2017, 53(6): 4691-4708.

Brooks, R.H., Corey, A.T. Properties of porous media affecting fluid flow. J. Irrig. Drain. Div. 1966, 92(2): 61-90.

Carle, S.F. T-progs: Transition probability geostatistical software. Livermore, University of California, Davis, 1999.

CMG, GEM Advanced Compositional and Unconventional Reservoir Simulator Version 2018. CMG Ltd., C.M. Group, Editor. 2018.

Dai, Z., Zhang, Y., Bielicki, J., et al. Heterogeneity-assisted carbon dioxide storage in marine sediments. Appl. Energy 2018, 225: 876-883.

Dehshibi, R.R., Sadatshojaie, A., Mohebbi, A., et al. A new insight into pore body filling mechanism during waterflooding in a glass micro-model. Chem. Eng. Res. Des. 2019, 151: 100-107.

Deng, H., Stauffer, P.H., Dai, Z., et al. Simulation of industrial-scale CO2 storage: Multi-scale heterogeneity and its impacts on storage capacity, injectivity and leakage. Int. J. Greenhouse Gas Control 2012, 10: 397-418.

Doughty, C. Investigation of CO2 plume behavior for a large-scale pilot test of geologic carbon storage in a saline formation. Transp. Porous Media 2010, 82(1): 49-76.

Duan, Z., Sun, R. An improved model calculating CO2 solubility in pure water and aqueous nacl solutions from 273 to 533 k and from 0 to 2000 bar. Chem. Geol. 2003, 193(3-4): 257-271.

Erfani, H., Babaei, M., Niasar, V. Signature of geochemistry on density-driven CO2 mixing in sandstone aquifers. Water Resour. Res. 2020, 56(3): e2019WR026060.

Ershadnia, R., Amooie, M.A., Shams, R., et al. Non-newtonian fluid flow dynamics in rotating annular media: Physics-based and data-driven modeling. J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 2020, 185: 106641.

Flett, M., Gurton, R., Weir, G. Heterogeneous saline for-mations for carbon dioxide disposal: Impact of varying heterogeneity on containment and trapping. J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 2007, 57(1-2): 106-118.

Gershenzon, N.I., Ritzi Jr, R.W., Dominic, D.F., et al. Influence of small-scale fluvial architecture on CO2 trapping processes in deep brine reservoirs. Water Resour. Res. 2015a, 51(10): 8240-8256.

Gershenzon, N.I., Ritzi Jr, R.W., Dominic, D.F., et al. Comparison of CO2 trapping in highly heterogeneous reservoirs with brooks-corey and van genuchten type capillary pressure curves. Adv. Water Resour. 2016, 96: 225-236.

Gershenzon, N.I., Ritzi Jr, R.W., Dominic, D.F., et al. Capillary trapping of CO2 in heterogeneous reservoirs during the injection period. Int. J. Greenhouse Gas Control 2017a, 59: 13-23.

Gershenzon, N.I., Ritzi Jr, R.W., Dominic, D.F., et al. CO2 trapping in reservoirs with fluvial architecture: Sensi-tivity to heterogeneity in permeability and constitutive relationship parameters for different rock types. J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 2017b, 155: 89-99.

Gershenzon, N.I., Soltanian, M., Ritzi, R.W., et al. Under-standing the impact of open-framework conglomerates on water–oil displacements: The victor interval of the ivishak reservoir, prudhoe bay field, alaska. Pet. Geosci. 2015b, 21(1): 43-54.

Han, W.S., Lee, S.Y., Lu, C., et al. Effects of permeability on CO2 trapping mechanisms and buoyancy-driven CO2 migration in saline formations. Water Resour. Res. 2010, 46(7): W07510.

Hassanzadeh, H., Pooladi-Darvish, M., Keith, D.W. Scaling behavior of convective mixing, with application to geological storage of CO2 . AICHE J. 2007, 53(5): 1121-1131.

Holtz, M. Residual gas saturation to aquifer influx: A calculation method for 3-d computer reservoir model construction. Paper SPE 75502 Presented at SPE Gas Technology Symposium, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 30 April-2 May, 2002.

Hosseini, S.A., Lashgari, H., Choi, J.W., et al. Static and dynamic reservoir modeling for geological CO2 sequestration at cranfield, mississippi, USA. Int. J. Greenhouse Gas Control 2013, 18: 449-462.

Hosseini, S.A., Mathias, S.A., Javadpour, F. Analytical model for CO2 injection into brine aquifers-containing residual CH4 . Transp. Porous Media 2012, 94(3): 795-815.

Hosseininoosheri, P., Hosseini, S., Nuñez-López, V., et al. Impact of field development strategies on CO2 trapping mechanisms in a CO2 -EOR field: A case study in the permian basin (sacroc unit). Int. J. Greenhouse Gas Control 2018, 72: 92-104.

Hoteit, H., Fahs, M., Soltanian, M.R. Assessment of CO2 injectivity during sequestration in depleted gas reservoirs. Geosciences 2019, 9(5): 199.

Ide, S.T., Jessen, K., Orr Jr, F.M. Storage of CO2 in saline aquifers: Effects of gravity, viscous, and capillary forces on amount and timing of trapping. Int. J. Greenhouse Gas Control 2007, 1(4): 481-491.

Issautier, B., Viseur, S., Audigane, P., et al. A new approach for evaluating the impact of fluvial type heterogeneity in CO2 storage reservoir modeling. C. R. Geosci. 2016, 348(7): 531-539.

Juanes, R., Spiteri, E., Orr Jr, F., et al. Impact of relative permeability hysteresis on geological CO2 storage. Water Resour. Res. 2006, 42(12): W12418.

Killough, J. Reservoir simulation with history-dependent saturation functions. Soc. Petrol. Eng. J. 1976, 16(1): 37-48.

Kim, Y., Jang, H., Kim, J., et al. Prediction of storage efficiency on CO2 sequestration in deep saline aquifers using artificial neural network. Appl. Energy 2017, 185: 916-928.

Kumar, A., Noh, M.H., Ozah, R.C., et al. Reservoir simulation of CO2 storage in aquifers. SPE J. 2005, 10(3): 336-348.

Kumar, N., Bryant, S. Optimizing injection intervals in vertical and horizontal wells for CO2 sequestration. Paper SPE 116661 Presented at SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Denver, Colorado, USA, 21-24 September, 2008.

Land, C.S. Calculation of imbibition relative permeability for two-and three-phase flow from rock properties. Soc. Petrol. Eng. J. 1968, 8(2): 149-156.

Li, B., Benson, S.M. Influence of small-scale heterogeneity on upward CO2 plume migration in storage aquifers. Adv. Water Resour. 2015, 83: 389-404.

Li, C., Zhang, K., Wang, Y., et al. Experimental and numerical analysis of reservoir performance for geological CO2 storage in the ordos basin in china. Int. J. Greenhouse Gas Control 2016, 45: 216-232.

Liu, B., Fu, X., Li, Z. Impacts of CO2-brine-rock interaction on sealing efficiency of sand caprock: A case study of shihezi formation in ordos basin. Adv. Geo-Energy Res. 2018, 2(4): 380-392.

Liu, Y., Wallace, C.D., Zhou, Y., et al. Influence of streambed heterogeneity on hyporheic flow and sorptive solute transport. Water 2020, 12(6): 1547.

Mahmoodpour, S., Amooie, M.A., Rostami, B., et al. Effect of gas impurity on the convective dissolution of CO2 in porous media. Energy 2020, 199: 117397.

Menad, N.A., Hemmati-Sarapardeh, A., Varamesh, A., et al. Predicting solubility of CO2 in brine by advanced machine learning systems: Application to carbon capture and sequestration. J. CO2 Util. 2019, 33: 83-95.

Nicot, J.P., Solano, S., Lu, J., et al. Potential subsurface impacts of CO2 stream impurities on geologic carbon storage. Energy Procedia 2013, 37: 4552-4559.

Oldenburg, C., Doughty, C. Injection, flow, and mixing of CO2 in porous media with residual gas. Transp. Porous Media 2011, 90(1): 201-218.

Saadatpoor, E., Bryant, S.L., Sepehrnoori, K. New trapping mechanism in carbon sequestration. Transp. Porous Media 2010, 82(1): 3-17.

Sadatshojaie, A., Rahimpour, M.R. CO2 emission and air pollution (volatile organic compounds, etc.)–related problems causing climate change, in Current Trends and Future Developments on (Bio-) Membranes, edited by A. Figoli, Y. Li and A. Basile, Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 1-30, 2020.

Singh, H. Impact of four different CO2 injection schemes on extent of reservoir pressure and saturation. Adv. Geo-Energy Res. 2018, 2(3): 305-318.

Soltanian, M.R., Behzadi, F., de Barros, F.P. Dilution enhancement in hierarchical and multiscale heterogeneous sediments. J. Hydrol. 2020, 587: 125025.

Soltanian, M.R., Dai, Z. Geologic CO2 sequestration: Progress and challenges. Geomech. Geophys. Geo-Energy Geo-Resour. 2017, 3: 221-223.

Soltanian, M.R., Hajirezaie, S., Hosseini, S.A., et al. Multicomponent reactive transport of carbon dioxide in fluvial heterogeneous aquifers. J. Nat. Gas Sci. Eng. 2019, 65: 212-223.

Soltanian, M.R., Ritzi, R.W., Huang, C.C., et al. Relating reactive solute transport to hierarchical and multiscale sedimentary architecture in a Lagrangian-based transport model: 1. Time-dependent effective retardation factor. Water Resour. Res. 2015a, 51(3): 1586-1600.

Soltanian, M.R., Ritzi, R.W., Huang, C.C., et al. Relating reactive solute transport to hierarchical and multiscale sedimentary architecture in a Lagrangian-based transport model: 2. Particle displacement variance. Water Resour. Res. 2015b, 51(3): 1601-1618.

Stauffer, D., Aharony, A. Introduction To Percolation Theory: Revised Second Edition. London, UK, Taylor & Francis, 1992.

Sturmer, D.M., Tempel, R.N., Soltanian, M.R. Geological carbon sequestration: Modeling mafic rock carbonation using point-source flue gases. Int. J. Greenhouse Gas Control 2020, 99: 103106.

Sun, Q., Ampomah, W., Kutsienyo, E.J., et al. Assessment of CO2 trapping mechanisms in partially depleted oil-bearing sands. Fuel 2020, 278: 118356.

Sun, Y., Tong, C., Trainor-Guitton, W., et al. Global sampling for integrating physics-specific subsystems and quantifying uncertainties of CO2 geological sequestration. Int. J. Greenhouse Gas Control 2013, 12: 108-123.

Taggart, I.J. Extraction of dissolved methane in brines by CO2 injection: Implication for CO2 sequestration. SPE Reserv. Eval. Eng. 2010, 13(5): 791-804.

Trevisan, L., Krishnamurthy, P., Meckel, T. Impact of 3d capillary heterogeneity and bedform architecture at the sub-meter scale on CO2 saturation for buoyant flow in clastic aquifers. Int. J. Greenhouse Gas Control 2017, 56: 237-249.

Wallace, C.D., Sawyer, A.H., Soltanian, M.R., et al. Nitrate removal within heterogeneous riparian aquifers under tidal influence. Geophys. Res. Lett. 2020, 47(10): e2019GL085699.

Wang, J., Ryan, D., Anthony, E.J., et al. The effect of impurities in oxyfuel flue gas on CO2 storage capacity. Int. J. Greenhouse Gas Control 2012, 11: 158-162.

Yang, F., Bai, B., Dunn-Norman, S. Modeling the effects of completion techniques and formation heterogeneity on CO2 sequestration in shallow and deep saline aquifers. Environ. Earth Sci. 2011, 64(3): 841-849.

Yang, Z., Chen, Y.F., Niemi, A. Gas migration and residual trapping in bimodal heterogeneous media during geological storage of CO2 . Adv. Water Resour. 2020, 142: 103608.

Zhang, L., Dilmore, R.M., Bromhal, G.S. Effect of outer boundary condition, reservoir size, and CO2 effective permeability on pressure and CO2 saturation predictions under carbon sequestration conditions. Greenhouse Gases 2016, 6(4): 546-560.

Zhang, L., Wang, Y., Miao, X., et al. Geochemistry in geologic CO2 utilization and storage: A brief review. Adv. Geo-Energy Res. 2019, 3(3): 304-313.

Zhou, Y., Ritzi Jr, R.W., Soltanian, M.R., et al. The influence of streambed heterogeneity on hyporheic flow in gravelly rivers. Groundwater 2014, 52(2): 206-216.




DOI: https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2020.04.05

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2020 The Author(s)

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Copyright ©2018. All Rights Reserved