Site Characterization of the Highest-priority Geologic Formations for CO2 Storage in Wyoming

Site Characterization of the Highest-priority Geologic Formations for CO2 Storage in Wyoming
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 605
Release: 2013
Genre:
ISBN:

This study, funded by U.S. Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory award DE-FE0002142 along with the state of Wyoming, uses outcrop and core observations, a diverse electric log suite, a VSP survey, in-bore testing (DST, injection tests, and fluid sampling), a variety of rock/fluid analyses, and a wide range of seismic attributes derived from a 3-D seismic survey to thoroughly characterize the highest-potential storage reservoirs and confining layers at the premier CO2 geological storage site in Wyoming. An accurate site characterization was essential to assessing the following critical aspects of the storage site: (1) more accurately estimate the CO2 reservoir storage capacity (Madison Limestone and Weber Sandstone at the Rock Springs Uplift (RSU)), (2) evaluate the distribution, long-term integrity, and permanence of the confining layers, (3) manage CO2 injection pressures by removing formation fluids (brine production/treatment), and (4) evaluate potential utilization of the stored CO2.

Geological CO2 Storage Characterization

Geological CO2 Storage Characterization
Author: Ronald C. Surdam
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 310
Release: 2013-12-12
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1461457882

This book investigates geological CO2 storage and its role in greenhouse gas emissions reduction, enhanced oil recovery, and environmentally responsible use of fossil fuels. Written for energy/environmental regulators at every level of government (federal, state, etc.), scientists/academics, representatives from the power and fossil energy sectors, NGOs, and other interested parties, this book uses the characterization of the Rock Springs Uplift site in Wyoming as an integrated case study to illustrate the application of geological CO2 storage science, principles, and theory in a real-world scenario.

Geomechanical Characterization of CO2 Storage Reservoirs on the Rock Springs Uplift, WY

Geomechanical Characterization of CO2 Storage Reservoirs on the Rock Springs Uplift, WY
Author: Hua Yu
Publisher:
Total Pages: 143
Release: 2018
Genre: Carbon dioxide
ISBN: 9780438433632

Carbon sequestration in deep geological formations has been considered as an important and practical solution to significantly reduce the CO2 emission. CO2 injection into reservoirs may lead to mechanical, chemical, and hydrological effects on the geological formations. This Ph.D. research primarily focuses on quantifying and analyzing geomechanical properties and the effect of CO2 on geomechanical properties of reservoir rocks. The research includes: 1) select and prepare rock samples (Weber Sandstone) from Rock Springs Uplift, Wyoming; 2) design and conduct geomechanical experiments; 3) improve the estimations of geomechanical properties of rocks; 4) develop the analytical model describing the nonlinear rock failure behavior; 5) investigate the effect of compliant pores on reservoir rocks under different stress states; 6) quantify and analyze the changes in geomechanical properties of reservoir rocks due to CO2. Major conclusions drawn from this research were summarized. First, a new method proposed for estimating elastic constants and crack propagation stress thresholds significantly eliminates bias due to both user-defined data interval and poor data resolution on the stress-strain data analysis procedures. Second, a generalized power-law failure criterion was derived in terms of the rock strength properties and validated through published test data for different rock types. Third, the nonlinear pore pressure-volumetric strain relationship at low confining pressure changes to a linear behavior at high confining pressure. Fourth, the unstable crack growth region governed by the initial compliant porosity is independent of the differential pressure. Fifth, the effect of CO2 on geomechanical properties of Weber Sandstone in the linear elastic, nonlinear plastic, and post-failure regime is limited. However, a consistent change in Mohr failure coefficients due to CO2 was observed.

Carbon Sequestration Monitoring Activities

Carbon Sequestration Monitoring Activities
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2010
Genre:
ISBN:

In its 'Carbon Sequestration Technology Roadmap and Program Plan 2007' the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)'s Office of Fossil Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) identified as a major objective extended field tests to fully characterize potential carbon dioxide (CO2) storage sites and to demonstrate the long-term storage of sequestered carbon (p. 5). Among the challenges in this area are 'improved understanding of CO2 flow and trapping within the reservoir and the development and deployment of technologies such as simulation models and monitoring systems' (p. 20). The University of Wyoming (UW), following consultations with the NETL, the Wyoming State Geological Survey, and the Governor's office, identified potential for geologic sequestration of impure carbon dioxide (CO2) in deep reservoirs of the Moxa Arch. The Moxa Arch is a 120-mile long north-south trending anticline plunging beneath the Wyoming Thrust Belt on the north and bounded on the south by the Uinta Mountains. Several oil and gas fields along the Moxa Arch contain accumulations of natural CO2. The largest of these is the La Barge Platform, which encompasses approximately 800 square miles. Several formations may be suitable for storage of impure CO2 gas, foremost among them the Madison Limestone, Bighorn Dolomite, and Nugget Sandstone. This project responded to the challenges described above by preparing a geological site characterization study on the Moxa Arch. The project included four priority research areas: (A) geological characterization of geologic structure of the Arch, the fault, and fracture patterns of the target formations and caprocks, (B) experimental characterization of carbon dioxide-brine-rock reactions that may occur, (C) optimization of geophysical and numerical models necessary for measurement, monitoring and verification (MMV), and (D) a preliminary performance assessment. Research work to accomplish these goals was coordinated by one administrative task under the direction of Dr. Carol Frost, Professor of Geology and Geophysics (Task 1.0), and one task devoted to designing and creating an interdisciplinary, project-specific carbon cyberinfrastructure to support collaborative carbon dioxide sequestration research among University of Wyoming scientists and their collaborators, performed by Jeff Hammerlinck, Director of the Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center at the University of Wyoming (Task 1.5). The results of these tasks are presented in the Introduction and in Chapter 1, respectively.

Carbon Dioxide Capture for Storage in Deep Geologic Formations - Results from the CO2 Capture Project

Carbon Dioxide Capture for Storage in Deep Geologic Formations - Results from the CO2 Capture Project
Author: David C Thomas
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 686
Release: 2015-01-03
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0081005016

Over the past decade, the prospect of climate change resulting from anthropogenic CO2 has become a matter of growing public concern. Not only is the reduction of CO2 emissions extremely important, but keeping the cost at a manageable level is a prime priority for companies and the public, alike. The CO2 capture project (CCP) came together with a common goal in mind: find a technological process to capture CO2 emissions that is relatively low-cost and able be to be expanded to industrial applications. The Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage Project outlines the research and findings of all the participating companies and associations involved in the CCP. The final results of thousands of hours of research are outlined in the book, showing a successful achievement of the CCP’s goals for lower cost CO2 capture technology and furthering the safe, reliable option of geological storage. The Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage Project is a valuable reference for any scientists, industrialists, government agencies, and companies interested in a safer, more cost-efficient response to the CO2 crisis.

International Symposium on Site Characterization for CO2Geological Storage

International Symposium on Site Characterization for CO2Geological Storage
Author: Chin-Fu Tsang
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2006
Genre:
ISBN:

Several technological options have been proposed to stabilize atmospheric concentrations of CO{sub 2}. One proposed remedy is to separate and capture CO{sub 2} from fossil-fuel power plants and other stationary industrial sources and to inject the CO{sub 2} into deep subsurface formations for long-term storage and sequestration. Characterization of geologic formations for sequestration of large quantities of CO{sub 2} needs to be carefully considered to ensure that sites are suitable for long-term storage and that there will be no adverse impacts to human health or the environment. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage (Final Draft, October 2005) states that ''Site characterization, selection and performance prediction are crucial for successful geological storage. Before selecting a site, the geological setting must be characterized to determine if the overlying cap rock will provide an effective seal, if there is a sufficiently voluminous and permeable storage formation, and whether any abandoned or active wells will compromise the integrity of the seal. Moreover, the availability of good site characterization data is critical for the reliability of models''. This International Symposium on Site Characterization for CO{sub 2} Geological Storage (CO2SC) addresses the particular issue of site characterization and site selection related to the geologic storage of carbon dioxide. Presentations and discussions cover the various aspects associated with characterization and selection of potential CO{sub 2} storage sites, with emphasis on advances in process understanding, development of measurement methods, identification of key site features and parameters, site characterization strategies, and case studies.

Site Characterization for CO2 Geologic Storage and Vice Versa -The Frio Brine Pilot as a Case Study

Site Characterization for CO2 Geologic Storage and Vice Versa -The Frio Brine Pilot as a Case Study
Author: Christine Doughty
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2006
Genre:
ISBN:

Careful site characterization is critical for successfulgeologic sequestration of CO2, especially for sequestration inbrine-bearing formations that have not been previously used for otherpurposes. Traditional site characterization techniques such asgeophysical imaging, well logging, core analyses, interference welltesting, and tracer testing are all valuable. However, the injection andmonitoring of CO2 itself provides a wealth of additional information. Rather than considering a rigid chronology in which CO2 sequestrationoccurs only after site characterization is complete, we recommend thatCO2 injection and monitoring be an integral part of thesite-characterization process. The advantages of this approach arenumerous. The obvious benefit of CO2 injection is to provide informationon multi-phase flow properties, which cannot be obtained from traditionalsitecharacterization techniques that examine single-phase conditions. Additionally, the low density and viscosity of CO2 compared to brinecauses the two components to flow through the subsurface differently, potentially revealing distinct features of the geology. Finally, tounderstand sequestered CO2 behavior in the subsurface, there is nosubstitute for studying the movement of CO2 directly. Making CO2injection part of site characterization has practical benefits as well. The infrastructure for surface handling of CO2 (compression, heating, local storage) can be developed, the CO2 injection process can bedebugged, and monitoring techniques can be field-tested. Prior to actualsequestration, small amounts of CO2 may be trucked in. Later, monitoringaccompanying the actual sequestration operations may be used tocontinually refine and improve understanding of CO2 behavior in thesubsurface.