Research Projects
GEO-SEQ
(1) To develop ways to improve predictions of injectivity and capacity of saline formations and depleted gas reservoirs, and (2) To develop and test innovative high-resolution methods for monitoring CO2 in the subsurface. The GEO-SEQ project leverages scientific understanding and technology development from three highly visible ongoing world-class (Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF)-recognized) geologic CO2 storage projects through leadership and collaboration in the scientific and engineering objectives. The three projects are the: (1) Frio Brine Pilot Tests; (2) Otway Basin Pilot Project; and (3) In Salah Industrial-Scale CO2 Storage Project Within these projects, GEO-SEQ has led the development of downhole fluid and gas sampling by U-tube, downhole Continuous Active Source Seismic Monitoring (CASSM), and reservoir simulation capabilities including reactive geochemistry, multicomponent gas mixtures, and geomechanical coupling. In FY08, the third year of a five-year cycle, we will continue
to advance understanding of CO2 migration in brine formations
and depleted gas reservoirs, and investigate geomechanical
effects of industrial-scale CO2 injection. Although the three projects
are carried out in distinct geological environments, the scope of
GEO-SEQ is integrative with strong cross-task communication and
application of common tools and approaches in related projects. The
overall objective of the GEO-SEQ project is to gain knowledge
of geologic CO2 storage processes and mechanisms and
how to monitor and simulate them while making results available
through publications and conference participation. Advances
derived from GEO-SEQ efforts also support the DOE Regional Partnership
Projects through the involvement of the investigators in various
Partnership projects, and will likely be used in commercial-scale
CO2 operations in the
future. Task 1. Phase
II for the Frio Brine Formation Pilot Tests |
