InterPore2026

Assessing Salt Precipitation Dynamics: Pore Network Model vs. Microfluidic Experiments

22 May 2026, 09:35

15m

Oral Presentation (MS09) Pore-Scale Physics and Modeling MS09

Speaker

Dr Priyanka Agrawal (Shell India Markets Private Limited)

Description

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) plays a vital role in mitigating adverse climate impacts. To enhance its economic viability, addressing technical challenges in CCS operations is essential. One significant challenge is salt precipitation near the injection wellbore, typically occurring within 1–2 years of CO₂ injection into deep saline aquifers [1]. The severity of this precipitation not only increases operational expenses but also poses major safety risks due to pressure buildup at the bottom of the well.
Existing literature highlights that salt precipitation results from a complex interplay of multiple physical and chemical processes at pore-to-continuum scales such as two-phase displacement dynamics, evaporation, capillary backflow, and salt nucleation [2]. Despite numerous continuum-scale experiments and models, a predictive framework to guide salt precipitation dynamics and enable timely mitigation strategies is still lacking. This underscores the need for robust pore-scale models, such as pore network models, to develop a fundamental understanding of these processes and derive macroscopic correlations—like porosity-permeability —for improved reservoir-scale modeling.
To address this, we have developed a state-of-the-art pore network model capable of simulating multiphase flow, evaporation, vapor transport, capillary backflow, and salt precipitation. We benchmarked this model against microfluidic experiments on salt precipitation using two pore network configurations: homogeneous and heterogeneous. Results revealed a strong influence of advective flux on salt precipitation location. High CO₂ injection rates caused rapid salt deposition across the network, while lower rates produced piston-like dry-out fronts, consistent with experimental observations. In heterogeneous networks, these fronts were less distinct.
Additionally, network geometry significantly affected water and salt distribution: homogeneous networks exhibited uniform profiles, whereas heterogeneous networks showed spatial variability—again aligning with experimental findings. While this qualitative benchmarking validates key trends, quantitative validation presents challenges for future work. These include understanding the role of corner flow in evaporation, randomness in nucleation sites, and the impact of secondary porosity from precipitated salt.
We are currently addressing these gaps to establish confidence in pore network modeling for salt precipitation problems, aiming to provide a predictive tool for CCS operations.