Suitability of calibrated X-ray fluorescence core scanning for environmental geochemical characterisation of heterogeneous sediment cores

Multi-element analysis of discrete samples via X-Ray fluorescence or inductively coupled plasma spectrometry is commonly used to characterise the composition of solid geo-materials for environmental geochemical characterisation. Conventional geochemical analysis of individual samples is time consuming and costly, which often results in low...

Large-Scale Energy Storage in Salt Caverns and Depleted Fields (LSES) – Project Findings

Techno-Economic Modelling of Large-Scale Energy Storage Systems

Mitigating CO2 Leakage by Immobilizing CO2 into Solid Reaction Products: 13th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies, GHGT 2016. 14 November 2016 through 18 November 2016

In the unlikely case of CO2 leakage from a storage reservoir, it is desirable to close the leak efficiently and permanently. This could be done by injecting a reactive solution into the leak path, thereby immobilizing migrating CO2 by consuming the gas and forming solid reactants. With regard to permanent closure, it is important to consider...

Well integrity assessment by a 1: scale wellbore experiment: Exposition to dissolved CO2 and overcoring

In this work, we present the results of a new in situ experiment to complete the existing scientific dataset on well integrity in the context of CO2 storage. This experimentation has been designed to evaluate the sealing behaviour of a monitored well after mechanical and chemical stresses due to pressure and temperature changes (stage A) and due...

Sensitivity of chemical cement alteration: modeling the effect of parameter uncertainty and varying subsurface conditions

To ensure the safety of a CO 2 storage site and containment of CO 2 in the subsurface, the integrity of wellbore materials must be maintained. Field and laboratory studies have shown CO 2 -induced reactivity of wellbore cement, but these results have to be extrapolated to the extended time span of CO 2 storage. Geochemical modeling provides a...

Geochemical evaluation of CO2 injection and containment in a depleted gas field

The short- and long-term geochemical impact of CO2 injection into a depleted gas reservoir (DGR) is investigated using reservoir/geochemical modeling with TOUGH2/TOUGHREACT and 1D kinetic diffusion modeling with PHREEQC (caprock/well-cement). Simulations of CO2 injection into the reservoir predict displacement and buoyancy of post-production CH4...

1:1 scale wellbore experiment and associated modeling for a better understanding of well integrity in the context of CO2 geological storage

In this study, we present a new experiment for following the evolution of the well integrity over time due to different changes in well conditions (pressure, temperature and fluids in contact with the well) in the context of CO2 geological storage. A small section of a wellbore is reproduced in the Opalinus Clay of the underground rock...

Reactive surface area in geochemical models - Lessons learned from a natural analogue

Many uncertainties exist in geochemical modeling. Mineral reactive surface area is one of the uncertain parameters. QEMSCAN analyses are performed on sandstone samples from a Dutch CO2 natural analogue to determine reactive surface areas. Geochemical modeling is performed using QEMSCAN surface areas and surface areas which are conventionally...

Intentional salt clogging: A novel concept for long-term CO2 sealing

Well abandonment in the context of CO2 storage operations demands a mitigation strategy for CO2 leakage along the wellbore. To prevent possible CO2 transport toward the surface and to protect the wellbore material from contact with acid brine, we propose forming a salt seal around the wellbore at reservoir level, after CO2 injection into a...

Model calibration on cement experiments at realistic CO2 storage conditions

Large scale implementation of CO2 storage can significantly reduce emission of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. However, safe and long-term containment of CO2 in storage reservoirs must be ensured. Wellbores in the subsurface present possible leakage pathways for CO2 to the surface and hence wellbore cement reactivity is of major concern....

Werkendam, the Dutch natural analogue for CO2 storage – long-term mineral reactions

The Werkendam (WED) and Barendrecht-Ziedewij (BRTZ) gas fields are CO2- and CH4-bearing stratigraphic equivalents in the Netherlands. A comparison in petrographic characteristics and burial histories of the two fields is performed to investigate long-term mineral reactions induced by the presence of CO2. The mineral relations in BRTZ are used as...