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Enhanced Monitoring of Geologic Carbon Sequestration Using 3-D Passive Microseismic Location Techniques--Weston Geophysical Corporation, 181 Bedford St., Suite 1, Lexington, MA 02420-4550; 781-860-0127; www.westongeophysical.com
Dr. Delaine Reiter, Principal Investigator, delaine@westongeophysical.com
Mr. James Lewkowicz, Business Official, jiml@westongeophysical.com
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-07ER84683
Amount: $99,582
Department of Energy
scientists and U.S. policy makers have identified the potential benefit of
sequestering large quantities of greenhouse gases (primarily carbon dioxide, CO2)
from the Earth’s atmosphere into subsurface carbon reservoirs. However, the storage process must be
carefully monitored to ensure that the CO2 is not released back to the
atmosphere. Successful, cost-effective
monitoring technologies are necessary keys to establishing the viability and
safety of long-term geo-sequestration efforts.
This project will adapt and apply a powerful three-dimensional location
technique to passively monitor the movement of sequestered CO2 in
geological formations. Phase I will
demonstrate the technique’s capabilities to accurately monitor the micro-seismicity that occurs in shallow underground reservoirs,
such as those proposed for carbon sequestration. Phase II
will conduct a field test of the technique, using a combination of surface and
borehole sensors, at an appropriate monitoring site.
Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new technique should find application in the monitoring of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) efforts, in underground facility characterization, and in the monitoring of mining micro-seismicity.