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Probabilistic geomechanical analysis of compartmentalization at the Snøhvit CO 2 sequestration project

Journal Article · · Journal of Geophysical Research. Solid Earth
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/2014JB011376· OSTI ID:2279217
 [1];  [2];  [2]
  1. Atmospheric, Earth and Energy Division Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Livermore California USA, Now at Baker Hughes Palo Alto California USA
  2. Atmospheric, Earth and Energy Division Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Livermore California USA
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Abstract

Pressure buildup caused by large‐scale CO 2 injection is a key concern during a carbon sequestration project. Large overpressures can compromise seal integrity, reactivate faults, and induce seismicity. Furthermore, pressure buildup is directly related with storage capacity. In this work we study the geomechanical response to CO 2 injection at Snøhvit, to understand the potential for fault reactivation, leakage, and contamination of the producing interval through bounding faults. Furthermore, we evaluate the potential contribution of a structural component to reservoir compartmentalization. We combine simplified analytical models, based on critically stressed fracture theory and a Mohr‐Coulomb failure criterion, with a rigorous sensitivity analysis. Large stress uncertainties are present and reflected in the modeling results. It was found that under the most likely stress state the faults are fairly stable and caprock hydrofracturing would be expected before fault reactivation. In most of the analyzed cases, the critical pressure perturbation needed for reactivation is above 13 MPa, which was the limiting pressure increase before reaching the fracture pressure. Faults were found to be ~ 20% less stable when considering variations in S Hmax orientation. In those cases, fault reactivation could be expected before caprock failure if injection continued. However, if the pressure increase did reach the critical values for seal failure estimated under the worst case (and least likely) stress state, no indication of such failure can be observed in the measured pressure response. Finally, the potential role of a structural component in the compartmentalization and fluid migration is difficult to assess due to the stress state uncertainty.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
Grant/Contract Number:
NONE; AC52-07NA27344
OSTI ID:
2279217
Journal Information:
Journal of Geophysical Research. Solid Earth, Journal Name: Journal of Geophysical Research. Solid Earth Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 120; ISSN 2169-9313
Publisher:
American Geophysical Union (AGU)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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