Polymer-gel remediation of CO2 migration through faults and numerical simulations addressing feasibility of novel approaches
conference paper
Subsurface CO2 storage has been identified as one of the key methods to reduce the emission of CO2 to the atmosphere.
Remediation or mitigation of unwanted migration from potential storage sites requires novel approaches for which feasibility is yet to be demonstrated. This study focuses on a solution to mitigate CO2 migration through naturally occurring faults, using a polymergel to drastically reduce the permeability of the fault. The radius of influence of the polymer injection is extended by using hydraulically stimulated fractures to transport the sealant to the leaking area. Reservoirs eligible for CO2 storage generally exhibit relatively high permeability and consequentially high leak-off of frac fluids. Therefore, the extent of hydraulic fractures is expected to be limited. Faults and fractures may be surrounded by a damaged zone with a permeability that is higher than the reservoir (up to 10 times). Considering the extra permeability of the damaged zone, the surface covered by the sealant may be extended by another 20-40%. Current results shows that this technique is technically feasible (with proper choices of polymer-gel and treatment) to mitigate CO2 leakage through a leaking fault.
Remediation or mitigation of unwanted migration from potential storage sites requires novel approaches for which feasibility is yet to be demonstrated. This study focuses on a solution to mitigate CO2 migration through naturally occurring faults, using a polymergel to drastically reduce the permeability of the fault. The radius of influence of the polymer injection is extended by using hydraulically stimulated fractures to transport the sealant to the leaking area. Reservoirs eligible for CO2 storage generally exhibit relatively high permeability and consequentially high leak-off of frac fluids. Therefore, the extent of hydraulic fractures is expected to be limited. Faults and fractures may be surrounded by a damaged zone with a permeability that is higher than the reservoir (up to 10 times). Considering the extra permeability of the damaged zone, the surface covered by the sealant may be extended by another 20-40%. Current results shows that this technique is technically feasible (with proper choices of polymer-gel and treatment) to mitigate CO2 leakage through a leaking fault.
TNO Identifier
573710
Publisher
ARMA Amercian Rock Mechanics Association
Article nr.
ARMA 16-100
Source title
50th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium held in Houston, Texas, USA, 26-29 June
2016
2016
Pages
1-11
Files
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