Improved non-equilibrium Darcy-Buckingham model for CO₂ storage (NEQUIMOD) – for calibration and prediction of the Utsira CO₂ plume

The project will test, validate and calibrate an updated multiphase Darcy-Buckingham flow formulation by attempting to reproduce the historic CO₂-plume movement in Utsira. The work will be based on previous work and experience with modeling of CO₂ storage. Most of the work will be on calibrating the model using a 3D model.

The model in this proposal should represent a generalization of the most commonly used formulation for modeling CO₂ storage, so instead of adapting the model parameters to reproduce CO₂ migration in Utsira, this model will extend the validity and thus the applicability of formulation.

The project’s goal is to test and validate a model that can predict more accurate CO₂ migration on Utsira. One will investigate why the most commonly used model for simulating CO₂ storage fails to accurately describe the observed CO₂ migration at Utsira. By assessing non-linear effects, the most commonly used model will probably be improved, and one can give more confidence in the predictability of long-term storage.