Avoiding loss of CO2 injectivity
Budsjett
8,66 millionerClimit-finansiering
8 MNOK from the Research Council. The rest is (in-kind) financing from academic partners.Prosjektnummer
255490
Partnere
SINTEF PR (Project owner), SINTEF Energy, University of Bergen, Heriot-Watt University.Prosjektperiode
2016 – 2018
- Goal of the Project: The overall objective is to investigate how, where and when injectivity in a CO2 well is lost due to precipitation of salt or formation of hydrates -and which operational parameters minimize the risk of reduced injectivity. The project aims to provide an evaluation of whether CO2 hydrates may serve as a self seal above the storage zone and increase the security of the storage.
- Technical content: Experiments will be performed where rock samples are flooded with CO2 at relevant pressure and temperature, to induce salt precipitation and hydrate formation. The samples will then be investigated using characterization techniques like X-ray tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to determine where clogging has occurred.
A numerical model will be developed for flow and thermodynamics of CO2-water-salt/hydrate in the near-well zone.
- Technical advantages: Research-based recommendations will be provided on operational parameters that minimize the risks for reduced injectivity due to salt and hydrates.
- R&D challenges:
• Design experimental campaigns within realistic downhole conditions that identify nucleation and growth mechanisms of salt/hydrate formation, as well as effects on permeability of the rocks.
• Design and implement modelling plan that demonstrates important thermodynamic aspects of flow and salt/hydrate precipitation in rocks, guided by experimental results.
• Provide operational parameters that minimize the risks for reduced injectivity due to salt and hydrates
- Results to date: The project is in the start-up phase. Currently, experimental campaigns are designed and the first X-ray tomographic microscope pictures of sandstone samples are available, obtained at the European synchrotron facility ESRF. The implementation plan for modelling work is almost complete, and many qualified applications for a postdoc position are being evaluated.