Speaker
Description
Geological storage of carbon dioxide in deep saline aquifers is widely recognized as a critical component of global decarbonization strategies. Achieving the large-scale injection rates required to meet climate targets depends strongly on maintaining well injectivity over long operational times. One of the most persistent challenges to injectivity during CO2 injection is salt precipitation caused by brine evaporation into the dry CO2 phase, particularly in the near-well region. Salt accumulation can significantly reduce porosity and permeability, leading to injectivity impairment and increased operational costs.
In this study, we present a comprehensive numerical investigation of salt precipitation processes during CO2 injection, with a specific focus on the role of capillary-driven flow. Simulations are conducted at the core and near-well scales using the TOUGH simulator suite, employing the ECO2N_V2 formulation to capture multiphase flow, phase behavior, evaporation, and salt precipitation.
To quantify fluid redistribution mechanisms, dimensionless metrics are introduced to characterize water backflow. These metrics enable systematic comparison of capillary- and gravity-driven transport across different reservoir configurations and flow regimes. The numerical framework allows detailed examination of where and when salt precipitation develops relative to evaporation fronts, flow pathways, providing insight into the physical controls governing salt localization.
This work aims to establish a mechanistic understanding of how operational and petrophysical factors interact to control salt precipitation patterns and injectivity behavior. The simulation results are synthesized into predictive charts that map operational regimes associated with differing risks of localized precipitation and injectivity impairment. These charts are intended as practical tools to support injection design and operational decision-making.
Overall, this study contributes to improving predictive capability for injectivity management in geological CO2 storage by systematically isolating and quantifying the governing physical processes under realistic reservoir and operational conditions.
| Country | UK |
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