Differential retention and release of CO2 and CH4 in kerogen nanopores: Implications for gas extraction and carbon sequestration

Ho, Tuan Anh; Wang, Yifeng; Xiong, Yongliang; Criscenti, Louise J.

doi:10.1016/j.fuel.2018.01.106

Differential retention and release of CO₂ and CH₄ in kerogen nanopores: Implications for gas extraction and carbon sequestration

Journal Article · Mon Feb 05 23:00:00 EST 2018 · Fuel

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2018.01.106· OSTI ID:1421764

Ho, Tuan Anh ^[1]; Wang, Yifeng ^[1]; Xiong, Yongliang ^[2]; Criscenti, Louise J. ^[1]

Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Carlsbad, NM (United States)

Methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), the two major components generated from kerogen maturation, are stored dominantly in nanometer-sized pores in shale matrix as (1) a compressed gas, (2) an adsorbed surface species and/or (3) a species dissolved in pore water (H₂O). In addition, supercritical CO₂ has been proposed as a fracturing fluid for simultaneous enhanced oil/gas recovery (EOR) and carbon sequestration. A mechanistic understanding of CH₄-CO₂-H₂O interactions in shale nanopores is critical for designing effective operational processes. Using molecular simulations, we show that kerogen preferentially retains CO₂ over CH₄ and that the majority of CO₂ either generated during kerogen maturation or injected in EOR will remain trapped in the kerogen matrix. The trapped CO₂ may be released only if the reservoir pressure drops below the supercritical CO₂ pressure. When water is present in the kerogen matrix, it may block CH₄ release. Furthermore, the addition of CO₂ may enhance CH₄ release because CO₂ can diffuse through water and exchange for adsorbed methane in the kerogen nanopores.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC04-94AL85000

OSTI ID:: 1421764

Report Number(s):: SAND--2018-1044J; 660339

Journal Information:: Fuel, Journal Name: Fuel Journal Issue: C Vol. 220; ISSN 0016-2361

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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