The Geomechanics of CO2 Storage in Deep Sedimentary Formations
Abstract
This study provides a review of the geomechanics and modeling of geomechanics associated with geologic carbon storage (GCS), focusing on storage in deep sedimentary formations, in particular saline aquifers. The paper first introduces the concept of storage in deep sedimentary formations, the geomechanical processes and issues related with such an operation, and the relevant geomechanical modeling tools. This is followed by a more detailed review of geomechanical aspects, including reservoir stress-strain and microseismicity, well integrity, caprock sealing performance, and the potential for fault reactivation and notable (felt) seismic events. Geomechanical observations at current GCS field deployments, mainly at the In Salah CO2 storage project in Algeria, are also integrated into the review. The In Salah project, with its injection into a relatively thin, low-permeability sandstone is an excellent analogue to the saline aquifers that might be used for large scale GCS in parts of Northwest Europe, the U.S. Midwest, and China. Some of the lessons learned at In Salah related to geomechanics are discussed, including how monitoring of geomechanical responses is used for detecting subsurface geomechanical changes and tracking fluid movements, and how such monitoring and geomechanical analyses have led to preventative changes in the injection parameters. Recently, the importancemore »
- Authors:
-
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
- Publication Date:
- Research Org.:
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Org.:
- USDOE; National Energy Technology Lab. (United States)
- OSTI Identifier:
- 1057563
- Report Number(s):
- LBNL-5325E
Journal ID: ISSN 0960-3182
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-05CH11231
- Resource Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal Name:
- Geotechnical and Geological Engineering
- Additional Journal Information:
- Journal Volume: 30; Journal Issue: 3; Journal ID: ISSN 0960-3182
- Publisher:
- Springer
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; 58 GEOSCIENCES; CO2 storage; geomechanics; caprock; fault reactivation; seismicity; modeling; saline formations
Citation Formats
Rutqvist, Jonny. The Geomechanics of CO2 Storage in Deep Sedimentary Formations. United States: N. p., 2012.
Web. doi:10.1007/s10706-011-9491-0.
Rutqvist, Jonny. The Geomechanics of CO2 Storage in Deep Sedimentary Formations. United States. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-011-9491-0
Rutqvist, Jonny. 2012.
"The Geomechanics of CO2 Storage in Deep Sedimentary Formations". United States. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-011-9491-0. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1057563.
@article{osti_1057563,
title = {The Geomechanics of CO2 Storage in Deep Sedimentary Formations},
author = {Rutqvist, Jonny},
abstractNote = {This study provides a review of the geomechanics and modeling of geomechanics associated with geologic carbon storage (GCS), focusing on storage in deep sedimentary formations, in particular saline aquifers. The paper first introduces the concept of storage in deep sedimentary formations, the geomechanical processes and issues related with such an operation, and the relevant geomechanical modeling tools. This is followed by a more detailed review of geomechanical aspects, including reservoir stress-strain and microseismicity, well integrity, caprock sealing performance, and the potential for fault reactivation and notable (felt) seismic events. Geomechanical observations at current GCS field deployments, mainly at the In Salah CO2 storage project in Algeria, are also integrated into the review. The In Salah project, with its injection into a relatively thin, low-permeability sandstone is an excellent analogue to the saline aquifers that might be used for large scale GCS in parts of Northwest Europe, the U.S. Midwest, and China. Some of the lessons learned at In Salah related to geomechanics are discussed, including how monitoring of geomechanical responses is used for detecting subsurface geomechanical changes and tracking fluid movements, and how such monitoring and geomechanical analyses have led to preventative changes in the injection parameters. Recently, the importance of geomechanics has become more widely recognized among GCS stakeholders, especially with respect to the potential for triggering notable (felt) seismic events and how such events could impact the long-term integrity of a CO2 repository (as well as how it could impact the public perception of GCS). As described in the paper, to date, no notable seismic event has been reported from any of the current CO2 storage projects, although some unfelt microseismic activities have been detected by geophones. However, potential future commercial GCS operations from large power plants will require injection at a much larger scale. In conclusion, for such large-scale injections, a staged, learn-as-you-go approach is recommended, involving a gradual increase of injection rates combined with continuous monitoring of geomechanical changes, as well as siting beneath a multiple layered overburden for multiple flow barrier protection, should an unexpected deep fault reactivation occur.},
doi = {10.1007/s10706-011-9491-0},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1057563},
journal = {Geotechnical and Geological Engineering},
issn = {0960-3182},
number = 3,
volume = 30,
place = {United States},
year = {Thu Jan 12 00:00:00 EST 2012},
month = {Thu Jan 12 00:00:00 EST 2012}
}