Geologic Carbon Sequestration Program

ZERT Task 3: Measurement and monitoring techniques to verify storage and track migration of CO2

Task 3 Leadership ZERT logo

Task Lead (primary contact)

Curt Oldenburg

Key Personnel/Participants

 Paul Cook, Andrea Cortis, Alex Morales

ZERT Task 3 Goal

To develop reliable techniques to demonstrate storage effectiveness and quantify migration out of the storage formation and release rates at the surface.

ZERT Task 3 Overview

A combination of surface and subsurface methods will be developed for verifying storage effectiveness.  Specifically, for surface monitoring we will investigate deployment and sensitivity of eddy-covariance methods, flux chamber measurements, and soil gas sampling.  We will continue to support and conduct the ZERT shallow-release field test, coordinated with all of the ZERT partners, to develop, evaluate, and optimize the methods.

     All assessments will be made in the context of quantifying “significant” releases from the storage structure, e.g., those that would compromise the effectiveness of geologic storage or cause unacceptable environmental impacts.

 

Formulation of the Problem Parameters chart
A schematic of the overall optimization approach Key parameters that may be adjusted to achieve optimal detection at the lowest possible cost

 

ZERT Task 3 Subtasks

Subtask 3.1. Assess detection limits and optimal deployment strategies for monitoring:

Theoretical, modeling, and field studies will be performed to assess the sensitivity and detection limits of various methods for monitoring CO2.  This work will inform studies aimed at deployment strategies to optimize detection, quantification, and locating surface seepage.  Preferred approaches will be recommended and described in papers.  Monitoring approaches to be considered in subsurface and surface environments include eddy covariance, accumulation chamber, optical technology, and novel methods.

Subtask 3.2. Perform simulations for the ZERT shallow-release experiment:

Calculations using TOUGH2/EOS7CA, COMSOL multiphysics, and other approaches will be carried out in support of the ZERT shallow-release experiment.  Modeling of saturated zone, vadose zone, and above-ground transport of CO2 will be carried out.  The results will be used to design experimental releases, sensor deployment for monitoring at the MSU site, and to analyze data from the shallow-release experiment.

Subtask 3.3. Support field activities at the MSU shallow-release facility:

In cooperation with the other ZERT partners, support field activities related to the ZERT shallow-release experiment.  The site is pasture-land west of the main campus of MSU.  We will actively contribute to the design and execution of the test.  LBNL provides the packer and tubing system to deliver CO2 to the horizontal well that provides the source term for the experiment.

Subtask 3.4. Conduct field experiments to verify surface monitoring techniques:

In cooperation with the other ZERT partners, surface monitoring and verification experiments will be conducted to test and improve our ability to detect, locate and quantify seepage.  CO2 will be delivered through tubing to packed-off sections of the horizontal well.  Eddy covariance, accumulation chamber, and novel approaches will be used to monitor the shallow release.