Mechanism and destruction status of CO2 BLEVE during CO2 geological storage and enhanced oil recovery injection process

Abstract

In CO2-oil recovery enhancement technology, the occurrence of a Boiling Liquid Expansion Vapor Explosion (BLEVE) can result in dangerous events that endanger the lives and health of workers, while also leading to significant economic losses. This happens when there is an excessive injection concentration and volume of CO2, coupled with container defects. To address the limited research on the mechanism and destruction of BLEVE, this study conducts experiments to explore these issues. The experimental results reveal that the bursting piece ruptures at a temperature of 36 °C, and the specimen explodes when the pressure intensity exceeds the residual strength of the specimen, reaching 69.97 MPa. The findings indicate that parameters, such as initial pressure, initial temperature, and failure pressure, can impact the risk of CO2 BLEVE occurrence and the propagation of explosion shock waves. The pressure inside the container during the BLEVE process fluctuates due to the joint action of the leakage rate and gasification rate of liquid CO2. This research provides a framework for evaluating the risk of CO2 BLEVE during CO2 geological storage and enhanced oil recovery injection processes, offering theoretical support for BLEVE prevention and control.