Speaker
Description
Geologic storage of hydrogen (H2) and natural H2 exploration are active research areas supporting the energy transition through the use of H2 as a clean burning fuel. H2 is expected to see massive demand in the coming decades, which can be facilitated through H2 generation from excess renewable sources and through accessing natural H2 reserves. For these operations, it is critical to understand H2 migration through geologic media. As such, developing an understanding both in traditional porous formations like sandstone rocks as well as ultralow permeability caprocks like shale is important. Here, we develop an experimental capability for studying H2 migration in cylindrical rock samples using neutron imaging. The application of neutrons works effectively with H2 unlike X-rays where a secondary contrasting fluid is required. We prepared simplified Aluminum pressure cells and secured the rock samples with epoxy. H2 was injected from one end while the other end was sealed. Blank neutron images were acquired before the introduction of H2 and images were collected as the sample was pressurized with H2. Two pressure values of 50 and 100psi, and three different rocks including Amherst Gray sandstone, Indiana limestone, and a shale sample were tested. Results showed that the movement of H2 could be successfully captured using neutron radiography. Furthermore, the more porous sandstone and limestone samples showed H2 intensity which was distinct from the signature for the shale sample. Lastly, the observed changes in H2 signature were found to be immediate with pressurization and changed minimally over time. This work provides the first application of neutron imaging to study H2 transport through reservoir rocks and caprock.
| Country | United States |
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