Models of flow and mixing of CO2 and brines in heterogeneous porous media
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Department Name: Earth Sciences
Abstract
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People |
ORCID iD |
| Jerome Neufeld (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Kieran Gilmore (Student) |
Publications
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/P510440/1 | 30/09/2016 | 29/09/2022 | |||
| 1928880 | Studentship | EP/P510440/1 | 30/09/2017 | 31/12/2021 | Kieran Gilmore |
| Description | To limit global warming to well under 2?C, it is likely that large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) will need to be stored underground. A significant fraction of the total possible storage space for CO2 is in salt water reservoirs, kilometers beneath the surface. It is important that once the CO2 has been injected underground it is securely trapped, otherwise there is a risk that it could leak back to the surface. After the CO2 is injected into these reservoirs, it can dissolve in the surrounding water which permanently traps the CO2. This process is usually slow. However, geological formations may contain layers that allow the CO2 to flow more easily and this increases the contact area between the CO2 and water which means more CO2 can dissolve in the water. This study calculates how much of the injected CO2 dissolves in such a reservoir, and how far it travels in a given time. Using the Salt Creek Field CO2 injection site in Wyoming as an example, we find that up to 10% of the total injected CO2 can dissolve into the surrounding water by this process and become permanently trapped. |
| Exploitation Route | In the coming decades, it is highly likely that large volumes of CO2 will be stored underground to help mitigate global warming. Being able to quantify how safely the CO2 is trapped once underground will allow stakeholders to assess how often it needs to be monitored, what volumes can be stored and what reservoirs are most suitable for storage. All of these factors affect the costs of storage, and have important consequences with assessing and minimizing risk. |
| Sectors | Energy Environment |
| Description | I have presented findings of my research to non-academic audiences, educating them on the background sciences, associated technologies and need for carbon capture and storage in the energy transition. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2018 |
| Sector | Energy,Environment |
| Impact Types | Policy & public services |