Studying Remediation Processes Using a Dimensionless Classification of Potential Storage Sites

Abstract

The current CO2 storage operation requires a thorough integrated qualification process consisting in storage evaluation, leakage risk analysis and remediation planning in case of leaking. One of the current methods considered as a remediation method is the re-production of the CO2. This paper presents results of a “generic” qualification of storage remediation capacity, based on a methodology using a dimensionless analysis of the potential aquifer sites supposed to qualify for storage.The methodology consists in building a data-base of dimensionless numbers governing the storage, leading to an experimental design based on the minimum/maximum values found within the data-base. Further reduction of the cases under study was achieved through a fractional experimental method, consisting in balancing the experiments, therefore achieving a workable statistical representative number of cases. Parameters difficult to obtain from the field were generated from literature and re-production of CO2 simulations were performed on all cases, representing the full variability of dimensionless numbers encountered in the field. The re-production was initiated after an injection period. Results were analyzed in terms of the net ratio of CO2 produced/CO2 injected leading to the concept of “remediation” efficiency, attached to any site to which the similar dimensionless numbers are associated. In that sense the approach is considered as being generic. The qualitative behavior of the CO2 plume and the over-pressure criteria governing the safety of the storage are also discussed.