Surface Monitoring Method for Carbon Capture and Storage Projects

Abstract

Abstract The effects of global climate change due to increased greenhouse gas emissions are a growing concern. It is important that technology-based solutions be evaluated in the event they need to be implemented. One method of mitigating anthropogenic CO 2 emissions is through geologic storage or sequestration. Most efforts involving Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) focus on CO 2 injection in deep geologic formations. Two issues that arise with CCS technology are public acceptance and monitoring of the horizontal and vertical movements of the CO 2 plume. With most CCS sites the risk for leak will be extremely low; however, it will be critical to assure the public of their safety. One way to mitigate public concern is through an integrated surface monitoring campaign. Natural surface background CO 2 fluxes must be understood to characterize potential leak sites. LI-COR Biosciences has developed the technology to aid researchers in monitoring potential surface leak sites in areas where CCS is implemented. The LI-8100 Automated Soil CO 2 Flux System measures diffusion of CO 2 from the soil into the atmosphere, and the LI-7500 Open Path CO 2 /H 2 O Analyzer, when integrated with a sonic anemometer, can measure the CO 2 flux over a large area. In this paper we discuss these two monitoring methods in detail and present data that illustrates the need for natural surface flux measurements in areas where CCS will be implemented. We will also provide examples of how this technology is currently being used for monitoring CO 2 injections at geologic storage sites.