Production Operations at Natural CO2 Fields: Technologies for Geologic Squestration

Abstract

Naturally occurring geologic deposits of carbon dioxide are undergoing intensive study worldwide because they offer “natural analogs” for the long-term geologic sequestration of CO2 in underground formations. An important facet of natural analogs studies is commercial production activities at CO2 fields, which offer insight into the technologies, safety, and cost-effectiveness of CO2 handling, geologic storage, and monitoring at future sequestration sites. CO2 production operations are directly relevant to CO2 storage requirements. Key operational activities under review include the drilling, completion, and operation of CO2 production wells; surface facilities design and equipment; reservoir monitoring; gas processing and transportation; and storage. Safety issues and established procedures include corrosion control, surface monitoring systems, and warning and notification systems. Economic issues include capital and operating costs for CO2 production and transportation systems. The study is expected to contribute to the “tool kit” of cost-effective technologies needed to achieve large-scale sequestration of CO2 in geologic formations, such as in depleted oil & gas fields, deep coal seams, and saline aquifers. Natural analogs provide insight into future geologic CO2 storage sites as well as crucial information into the safety and security of geologic sequestration, the long-term impact of CO2 on reservoirs, and field operating and monitoring technologies that could be adapted for geologic sequestration.