10113698An innovative sealing fluid for carbon capture and storage wells using composition and morphology variation that could reduce leakage in 95% of wells with failed barrier integrity, approx. 7.9% of wellsClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKVitritech is a UK-based petrochemical and chemicals SME, led by Christopher Sorsby (project manager), Angela Arnesano (technical lead), Susan Stewart (regulatory advisor), David Thomas (laboratory technician) and Brian Stewart (technical advisor). Carbon capture and storage (CCS) wells are affected by large temperature changes and the creation of carbonic acid when liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) is injected into them. Both of these factors can cause CO2 leakage, which affects the financial viability of CCS projects. Although CCS currently captures a small percentage of global emissions, its global capacity has risen substantially in the last few years. Addressing the issue of CO2 leakage would reduce inadvertent emissions of CO2 and, in the longer term, enable CCS wells to contribute to environmental policies and goals. Vitritech is developing Vitri-Seal, a state-of-the-art single-use fluid that fully seals and repairs a variety of barrier formations in CCS wells. Vitri-Seal is designed to react with rocks to form long-lasting and reliable minerals that can withstand the cold temperatures, thermal stresses and carbonic acid found in CCS wells. It can easily be injected using existing pumping technologies, allowing leaks to be repaired with less fluid, and is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, complying with the most stringent regulations. Vitri-Seal will reduce leakage in existing CCS wells and increase the number of economically viable CCS projects. This project aligns with the government's Green Industrial Revolution strategy and international net-zero policies and contributes to the UK's dominance in CCS solutions. It will be especially beneficial to the Aberdeen area, which is disproportionately affected by the transition to CCS, while the creation of skilled roles in Rotherham aligns with the government's Northern Powerhouse initiative.