Characteristics of CO2 sequestration in saline aquifers

• Published in: Petroleum science 2010-03, Vol.7 (1), p.83-92
• Main Authors: Yang, Fang, Bai, Baojun, Tang, Dazhen, Shari, Dunn-Norman, David, Wronkiewicz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Economics and Management; Energy Policy; Industrial and Production Engineering; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Mineral Resources; 二氧化碳; 含水层; 存储容量; 实验室试验; 水岩相互作用; 流域特征; 生理盐水; 碳封存
• ISSN: 1672-5107; 1995-8226
• DOI: 10.1007/s12182-010-0010-3

Storage of CO2 in saline aquifers is a viable option for reducing the amount of CO2 released to the atmosphere. This paper provides an overall review of CO2 sequestration in saline aquifers. First, the principles of CO2 sequestration are presented, including CO2 phase behavior, CO2-water-rock interaction, and CO2 trapping mechanisms. Then storage capacity and CO2 injectivity are discussed as the main determinants of the storage potential of saline aquifers. Next, a site section process is addressed considering basin characteristics, reservoir characteristics, and economic and social concerns. Three main procedures are then presented to investigate the suitability of a site for CO2 sequestration, including site screening, detailed site characterization, and pilot field-scale test. The methods for these procedures are also presented, such as traditional site characterization methods, laboratory experiments, and numerical simulation. Finally, some operational aspects of sequestration are discussed, including well type, injection rate, CO2 purity, and injection strategy.