Publications

Maximizing storage rates and capacity of carbon dioxide sequestration in saline reservoirs

Abou-Sayed, A.; Guo, Q.; Graham, A.L.; Mondy, L.A.; Ingber, M.S.; Mammoli, A.A.

The Kyoto Accords have been signed by 140 nations in order to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere in the medium to long term. In order to achieve this goal without drastic reductions in fossil fuel usage, carbon dioxide must be removed from the atmosphere and stored in acceptable reservoirs. Research has been undertaken to develop economical new technologies for the transfer and storage of carbon dioxide in saline aquifers. In order to maximize the storage rate, the aquifer is first hydraulically fractured in a conventional well stimulation treatment with a slurry containing solid proppant. Well fracturing would increase the injection volume flowrate greatly. In addition, there are several ancillary benefits including extension of the reservoir early storage volume by moving the carbon dioxide further from the well. This extended reach would mitigate the problems with the buoyant plume and increase the surface area between the carbon dioxide and the formation facilitating absorption. A life-cycle cost estimate has been performed showing the benefits of this approach compared to injection without fracturing.