Training and Research on Probabilistic Hydro-Thermo-Mechanical Modeling of Carbon Dioxide Geological Sequestration in Fractured Porous Rocks
- Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO (United States); Trustees Of The Colorado School Of Mines
Colorado School of Mines conducted research and training in the development and validation of an advanced CO2 GS (Geological Sequestration) probabilistic simulation and risk assessment model. CO2 GS simulation and risk assessment is used to develop advanced numerical simulation models of the subsurface to forecast CO2 behavior and transport; optimize site operational practices; ensure site safety; and refine site monitoring, verification, and accounting efforts. As simulation models are refined with new data, the uncertainty surrounding the identified risks decrease, thereby providing more accurate risk assessment. The models considered the full coupling of multiple physical processes (geomechanical and fluid flow) and describe the effects of stochastic hydro-mechanical (H-M) parameters on the modeling of CO2 flow and transport in fractured porous rocks. Graduate students were involved in the development and validation of the model that can be used to predict the fate, movement, and storage of CO2 in subsurface formations, and to evaluate the risk of potential leakage to the atmosphere and underground aquifers. The main major contributions from the project include the development of: 1) an improved procedure to rigorously couple the simulations of hydro-thermo-mechanical (H-M) processes involved in CO2 GS; 2) models for the hydro-mechanical behavior of fractured porous rocks with random fracture patterns; and 3) probabilistic methods to account for the effects of stochastic fluid flow and geomechanical properties on flow, transport, storage and leakage associated with CO2 GS. The research project provided the means to educate and train graduate students in the science and technology of CO2 GS, with a focus on geologic storage. Specifically, the training included the investigation of an advanced CO2 GS simulation and risk assessment model that can be used to predict the fate, movement, and storage of CO2 in underground formations, and the evaluation of the risk of potential CO2 leakage to the atmosphere and underground aquifers.
- Research Organization:
- Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FE0002058
- OSTI ID:
- 1097093
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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