CO2 trapping in reservoirs with fluvial sedimentary architecture

Naum I. Gershenzon, Robert W. Ritzi, David F. Dominic, Okwen David F., Edward Mehnert, Christopher Patterson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A number of important candidate CO (sub 2) reservoirs exhibit sedimentary architecture reflecting fluvial deposition. Recent studies have led to new conceptual and quantitative models for sedimentary architecture in fluvial deposits over a range of scales that are relevant to CO (sub 2) injection and storage. We used a geocellular modelling approach to represent this multi-scaled and hierarchical sedimentary architecture. With this model, we investigated the dynamics of CO (sub 2) plumes, during and after injection, in such reservoirs. Capillary trapping and dissolution are primary short term processes for CO (sub 2) immobilization in deep brine reservoirs. There are two main residual capillary trapping mechanisms: 1) CO (sub 2) bubbles are trapped within pore spaces because of "snap off", a process in which counter-imbibition of brine behind the advancing plume traps residual CO (sub 2) bubbles within the intervening pore bodies; 2) trapping due to heterogeneity in the capillary entry pressure among reservoir rock types, i.e. CO (sub 2) is pinned below local contacts between an underlying reservoir rock type with larger pores and an overlying reservoir rock type with smaller pores and thus larger entry pressure. It will be shown that the later mechanism may dominate in fluvial type reservoirs which include small-scale (cm to meter) heterogeneity in permeability and capillary pressure. CO (sub 2) trapping and dissolution are profoundly impacted by the type of capillary pressure curve used, i.e. Brooks-Corey or van Genuchten. This difference is especially pronounced in heterogeneous reservoirs. It will be demonstrated that CO (sub 2) plume shape and position (simulated with Brooks-Corey or van Genuchten curves) may be significantly different a long time after CO (sub 2) injection ceases. The detailed petrophysical and geological parameters of any specific reservoir are typically uncertain, which motivates studies of parameter sensitivity. Sensitivity analysis on the variability of basic parameters, such as contrast in permeability, irreducible water saturation, trapping saturation, and capillary entry pressure, will be presented.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAbstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America
Place of PublicationChampaign, IL
Volume48
Edition5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016

Keywords

  • ISGS

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'CO2 trapping in reservoirs with fluvial sedimentary architecture'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this