Developments and Innovation in Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Capture and Storage Technology

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Carbon dioxide (CO₂) injection design to maximise underground reservoir storage and enhanced oil recovery (EOR)

R. Qi, T.C. Laforce and M.J. Blunt,     Imperial College London, UK

Abstract:

We propose designs for CO₂ injection to maximise storage in aquifers and to maximise both CO₂ storage and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in oil reservoirs. A review of simulation and experimental studies suggests a carbon storage strategy where CO₂ and brine are injected into an aquifer together followed by brine injection alone. Based on simulation studies, this can render 80–95% of the CO₂ immobile in pore-scale droplets within the porous rock. The method does not rely on an impermeable cap rock to contain the CO₂; furthermore, the favourable mobility ...