Simulation of reactive transport of injected CO 2 on the Colorado Plateau, Utah, USA

Abstract

This paper investigates injection of CO 2 into non-dome-shaped geological structures that do not provide the traps traditionally deemed necessary for the development of artificial CO 2 reservoirs. We have developed a conceptual and two numerical models of the geology and groundwater along a cross-section lying approximately NW–SE and in the vicinity of the Hunter power station on the Colorado Plateau, Central Utah and identified a number of potential sequestration sites on this cross-section. Preliminary modeling identified the White Rim Sandstone as appearing to offer the properties required of a successful sequestration site. Detailed modeling of injection of CO 2 into the White Rim Sandstone using the reactive chemical simulator ChemTOUGH found that 1000 years after the 30 year injection period began approximately 21% of the injected CO 2 was permanently sequestered as a mineral, 52% was beneath the ground surface as a gas or dissolved in the groundwater and 17% had leaked to the surface and leakage to the surface was continuing.