Geological Sequestration - Enhancement of Natural Seals
Project # AE-FY-04-19

Primary Performing Organization
Albany Research Center (ALRC)

This project will evaluate the merit of several mineral slurry co-injection strategies by compiling a current geochemical and engineering literature review on saline aquifer injection and conducting a limited number of proof-of-concept laboratory-scale pressure-leach experiments. Co-injection of a mineral reactant slurry, either with the carbon dioxide (CO₂) or in a separate secondary injection well, could provide a means to enhance the natural reservoir seals by precipitation of mineral carbonates along the periphery of the injection plume.

Emphasis will be placed on determining a path for any methodology deemed worthy of further investigation. Specific project objectives include:

• Compiling a pertinent geochemical literature on groundwater geochemistry, geochemical weathering, and wall rock alteration, as well as geologic, hydrologic, and engineering properties of saline aquifers and CO₂ injection technologies to determine the merit of mineral slurry co-injection as a means to enhance natural seals; and
• Conducting laboratory experimentation limited to proof-of-concept studies of the mineral slurry co-injection concept using both the reservoir and aquitard rocks from typical sedimentary basin saline aquifer systems.

Existing data evaluating the availability of saline aquifers suitable for CO₂ injection show great potential, however the long-term outcome of the CO₂ injected into these aqueous systems is still uncertain.

Contact:
Project Manager: Dawn Deel, dawn.deel@netl.doe.gov