Process for sequestration of fluids in geological formations

Abstract

A process for geo-sequestration of a water-soluble fluid includes selecting a target water-laden geological formation bounded by an upper formation of low permeability, providing an injection well into the formation and injecting the fluid into the injection well under conditions of temperature, pressure and density contrast selected to cause the fluid to enter the formation and rise within the formation. This generates a dynamic density-driven convection current of formation water which promotes enhanced mixing of the water-soluble fluid with formation water.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 255,438, filed on Sep. 8, 2011, which is the national stage of International Application No. PCT / CA2010 / 000316, filed on Mar. 11, 2010, which claims benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 173,301, filed on Apr. 28, 2009, and U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 159,335, filed on Mar. 11, 2009. The contents of all of the prior applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to subsurface sequestration of fluids, and in particular to the sequestration of water-soluble gases such as CO2 and other greenhouse gases within water-laden geological formations.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Human activities have an impact upon the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which in turn is believed to affect the world's climate. Changes in ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The present invention relates to the (essentially) permanent disposal of a wide variety of water-soluble fluids, in particular CO2, by providing processes and systems for mixing and dispersing of such fluids within a water-laden geological formation such as a saline aquifer to improve sequestration conditions.

Problems solved by technology

Saline aquifers contain highly mineralized brines, and have so far been considered of little benefit to humans.

One disadvantage of any practical use of saline aquifers for this purpose is that relatively little is known about them.

Leakage of CO2 back into the atmosphere has been thought to be a problem in saline aquifer storage.

However, current research shows that several trapping mechanisms immobilize the CO2 underground, reducing the risk of leakage.

Although the safe and permanent disposal of CO2 represents an important challenge, as referred to above, long-term disposal of other water-soluble gases and fluids also presents similar challenges, to address the greenhouse effect as well as other needs.

Images