CO₂-Water-Rock Interactions and the Integrity of Hydrodynamic Seals
Project # FWP-04FE04-6

Primary Performing Organization
Los Alamos National Laboratory

This project will investigate the performance of hydrodynamic seals for geologic storage reservoirs.  The performance and reliability of geological carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage reservoirs depend on the integrity of the hydrodynamic seals that prevent leaks of injected CO₂ intended for permanent storage.  A key performance question for geologic sequestration sites centers on risk that the plume may migrate from the intended reservoir through cap rock, wellbores, and faults and fractures.

This research investigates the performance of seals for geological storage reservoirs. These include caprock and wellbores.  A combination of field, experimental, and numerical modeling studies are used to determine the nature of CO₂ interactions in well-bore systems and caprock, and applied to analogue site including enhanced oil recovery sites or natural CO₂ reservoirs. Long-term predictive models are also being developed for use in assessment of future CO₂ storage reservoirs.

The objectives of the project include:

• Conducting field studies of analogous storage sites to identify modes of CO₂ interactions, effects of cement formulation, and rates of cement casing reactions;
• Completing experimental studies based on observations from the field to develop quantitative relationships between the type of interface, CO₂ flux, and geochemical reactions occurring at the interface; and
• Completing numerical modeling that is calibrated and validated using the field and experimental studies to provide a predictive model of seal performance.

Predictive models for well-bore and caprock seal performance will be developed for use by future CO₂ storage operators and regulators.

Contact:
Project manager: Karen Cohen, karen.cohen@netl.doe.gov.

Related Papers and Publications:

• Carey, J. W., Wigand, M., Chipera, S., WoldeGabriel, G., Pawar, R., Lichtner, P., Wehner, S., Raines, M., and Guthrie, G. D., Jr., 2007, Analysis and Performance of Oil Well Cement With 30 years of CO₂  Exposure from the SACROC Unit, West Texas, USA. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control 1: 75-85.
• Crow, W., and Carey, J.W., Celia, M., and Gasda, S., 2008, Wellbore Integrity Analysis of a Natural CO₂ Producer, in Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies, November 16-20, 2008, Washington, DC.
• Crow, W. and Carey, J. W., 2008, CO₂ Capture Project Field Study of a Wellbore from a Natural CO₂ Reservoir, in Proceedings of the 7th Annual Carbon Capture & Sequestration Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, May 5-8, 2008.