Supercritical CO2 Injection Front Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for injecting supercritical CO2 into deep geological formations result in inefficient utilization of storage capacity due to uneven 'fingering' of the injection front, leading to significant areas of the formation being bypassed and reduced storage volume.
Innovation Solution
Modifying injection parameters such as temperature, pressure, and hydrocarbon content to cyclically alternate between different viscosity and density states of the CO2 composition, creating a stabilized injection front that uniformly fills the formation, thereby reducing 'fingering' and enhancing reservoir sweep.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If supercritical CO2 is injected into deep geological formations using conventional methods, then CO2 storage is achieved, but the storage capacity is inefficient due to uneven 'fingering' of the injection front
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously adjusting injection parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate) during the CO2 injection process. The injection system transitions from static to dynamic control, allowing real-time modification of injection conditions to maintain a stable injection front and prevent fingering phenomena, thereby improving both storage capacity and front uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying key injection parameters including pressure (maintaining supercritical state), temperature (containing within 20°C of reservoir temperature), and flow rate (adjusted to stabilize the injection front). These parameter adjustments enable the system to achieve efficient storage capacity utilization while maintaining uniform injection front distribution
2Manufacturing precision
If injection parameters are continuously adjusted to stabilize the injection front, then uniform distribution of CO2 is achieved, but the complexity of the injection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback control by monitoring injection front behavior and reservoir pressure changes, then using this information to adjust injection parameters in real-time. This closed-loop control system stabilizes the injection front and ensures uniform CO2 distribution while managing system complexity through automated parameter adjustment based on measured conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by cycling through different injection rates and parameter sets at regular intervals. This periodic modulation of injection conditions prevents the development of unstable flow patterns and fingering, maintaining front uniformity while using simple, repeating parameter sequences rather than continuously complex adjustments
3Productivity
If CO2 is injected at high rates to maximize storage volume, then storage capacity increases, but fingering phenomena worsen and reduce effective storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing dynamic flow rate adjustment during injection. Rather than maintaining a constant high injection rate, the system dynamically modulates the flow rate to stabilize the injection front, preventing fingering while still achieving high overall storage volumes through optimized injection profiles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by using pulsed or cyclic injection patterns with varying flow rates. This periodic injection approach allows high overall storage volumes to be achieved while the periodic variation in injection rate prevents the development of unstable fingering patterns, maintaining front stability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly increases the storage capacity of geological formations by ensuring a more uniform distribution of CO2, reducing the total cost of capture and storage, and maintaining a stable injection front over several decades.
Implementation Method 1
At depths below about 800-1000m, CO2 is in a supercritical state that provides potential for efficient utilization of underground storage space
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A method and arrangement are proposed for introducing a CO2 composition into a subterranean geological formation for storage of CO2 therein. The CO2 composition is initially injected into the formation using a first set of injection parameters at which the CO2 composition is a supercritical fluid having first viscosity and density values. The injection parameters are then modified such that the CO2 composition is injected into the formation using at least one second set of injection parameters at which the CO2 composition is a supercritical fluid having second viscosity and density values that are different from said first viscosity and density values, wherein said injection parameters include the injection temperature, injection pressure and hydrocarbon content of the CO2 composition.