Optimal Geological Environments for Carbon Dioxide Disposal in Saline Aquifers
Project # 40417

Primary Performing Organization:
University of Texas at Austin

The context of this project is a history of carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration in saline water-bearing formations (saline formations), dating back to the early 1990s.  This procedure is one option available in the pursuit of our national greenhouse gas reduction strategy.

Phases I and II of the project included identifying prospective regional locations for CO₂ injection wells, and defining conditions suitable for CO₂ disposal, storage, and sealing.  Phase III looked at field testing of recent R&D findings by injecting small amounts of CO₂ into saline reservoirs to measure subsurface activity, including CO₂ plume evolution.  See diagram.  This testing has become known as the Frio Brine Pilot Test.  In this particular Phase III experiment, CO₂ injections were made into high permeability brine-bearing sandstone beneath the Gulf Coast of Texas, followed later by an analysis exercise.  This analysis showed techniques that are useful in monitoring long-term storage, and will be followed by a second injection.

The Phase III objectives are to:

• Demonstrate that CO₂ can be injected into a brine formation without adverse health, safety, or environmental effects.
• Measure subsurface distribution of injected CO₂ using diverse monitoring technologies.
• Test the validity of conceptual, hydrologic, and geochemical models.
• Develop experience necessary for development of the next generation of larger scale CO₂ injection experiments.

Contact:
Project Manager:  William O’Dowd, william.odowd@netl.doe.gov

Related Papers and Publications:

• Optimal Geologic Environments Fact Sheet [PDF]