Reactive flow and permeability prediction — numerical simulation of complex hydrogeothermal problems

Abstract

Abstract Simulating complex flow situations in hydrogeothermal reservoirs requires coupling of flow, heat transfer, transport of dissolved species, and heterogeneous geochemistry. We present results of simulations for typical applications using the numerical simulator SHEMAT/Processing SHEMAT. Heat transfer is non-linear, since all thermal fluid and rock properties depend on temperature. Due to the coupling of fluid density with both temperature and concentrations of dissolved species, the model is well suited to simulate density-driven flow. Dissolution and precipitation of minerals are calculated with an improved version of the geochemical modelling code PHRQPITZ, which accurately calculates geochemical reactions in brines of low to high ionic strength and temperatures of 0–150°C. Changes in pore space structure and porosity are taken into account by updating permeability with respect to porosity changes due to precipitation and dissolution of minerals. This is based on a novel relationship between porosity and permeability, derived from a fractal model of the pore space structure and its changes due to chemical water — rock interaction. A selection of model studies performed with SHEMAT completes the review. Examples highlight both density-driven and reactive flow with permeability feedback. With respect to the former, the thermohaline free convection Elder’s problem, and density-driven free convection in a coastal aquifer with geothermal exploitation, are considered. Mineral redistribution and associated permeability change during a core flooding experiment; reaction front fingering in reservoir sandstone; and long-term changes in reservoir properties during the operation of a geothermal installation, are all considered in relation to reactive flow with permeability feedback.