Numerical investigation of the influence of underground water injection on the groundwater system in a shale gas reservoir in southwestern China

Abstract

Underground injection (UI) is an effective and efficient means of disposing of wastewater from shale gas production. However, the influence of UI on groundwater systems should be examined carefully to protect drinking groundwater sources. A regional hydrogeological model based on TOUGH2-MP/EOS7R of part of the Sichuan Basin is established to simulate pressure changes and solute transport in response to wastewater injection into deep aquifers. Wastewater is assumed to be injected through a well at a rate of 5.45 kg s−1 for 5 years and a post-injection period of 45 years. The simulation results indicate that UI will cause significant pressure buildup during the injection period, after which pressure will dissipate during the post-injection period. The mass fraction of solute increased over the entire simulation period. The draft regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act and the level III groundwater quality standards regulated by the Chinese government is referenced as the criteria for evaluating the influence of UI on groundwater systems. It is found that maximum pressure levels caused by UI may exceed safe levels. Uncertainties with respect to permeability are analyzed from previous studies and injection test results. Lower levels of permeability incur higher degrees of pressure buildup when UI is implemented. Different injection schemes are discussed, and we verify that pressure buildup from time-variant injection schemes is less than that from constant injection schemes for the same total injection volume. Injection schemes should be carefully evaluated before implementing UI in a shale gas reservoir.