Geologic Sequestration of CO₂ in a Depleted Oil Reservoir:
A Comprehensive Modeling and Site Monitoring Project
Project # FWP-FEW34895 & 02FEO402-AC04

Primary Performing Organization:
Sandia National Laboratory & Los Alamos National Laboratory

This project will make use of unique test opportunities for a pilot-scale field experiment in a pressure depleted oil reservoir to predict and monitor the migration and ultimate fate of injected carbon dioxide (CO₂). The models and data developed will be used to predict storage capacity and physical and chemical changes in reservoir properties, such as fluid composition, porosity, permeability, and phase relations. Science and technology gaps related to engineering aspects of CO₂ sequestration will be identified in this study. In addition, a better understanding of CO₂/reservoir interaction will improve enhanced oil recovery (EOR) flooding practices.

R&D gaps related to the sequestration of CO₂ in depleted oil reservoirs include: the need to understand coupled physicochemical processes involving CO₂, water, oil, and reservoir rock; better estimates of the capacity of reservoirs for long-term sequestration; the ultimate fate of injected CO₂; and improved remote (geophysical) monitoring technologies for accurately determining the dispersion of injected CO₂. These gaps will be addressed by this project with the ultimate project goal of better understanding, predicting, and monitoring CO₂ sequestration in a depleted sandstone oil reservoir.

Figure 1: Project field site for testing CO₂ sequestration in a depleted oil reservoir near Hobbs, New Mexico.

A comprehensive suite of computer simulations, laboratory tests, and field measurements will be used to understand, predict, and monitor the geochemical and hydro-geologic processes involved.

Contact:
Project Manager:Andrea McNemar, Andrea.McNemar@netl.doe.gov

Related Papers and Publications:

• Geologic Sequestration in a Depleted Oil Reservoir Fact Sheet [PDF]