CO2 Storage Simulation Device with Acoustic Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective means to simulate and monitor the migration and sequestration of carbon dioxide in deep saline aquifers, which is crucial for long-term CO2 storage due to high temperature, high pressure, and structural integrity challenges, leading to potential leakage risks.
Innovation Solution
A modularized device comprising a CO2 gas source, pressure pumps, pressure gauges, flow meters, a simulation box, core holders, and an acoustic logging tool to simulate and monitor CO2 storage by replicating geological structures and fluid flows, allowing for real-time data collection and accurate volume calculations of dissolved CO2.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If CO2 is injected into deep saline aquifer at high temperature and high pressure to achieve supercritical state for efficient storage, then storage capacity and efficiency are improved, but the risk of CO2 leakage increases due to buoyancy and potential cap rock failure
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the monitoring function into multiple independent sensors (acoustic logging tool, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow meters) distributed at different locations within the core holders and injection wells. This allows localized detection of CO2 migration and cap rock integrity issues, enabling targeted responses to prevent leakage while maintaining overall storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements real-time feedback monitoring through continuous measurement of pressure, temperature, acoustic signals, and fluid flow rates. The control system processes this data to detect early signs of cap rock failure or CO2 breakthrough, allowing operational adjustments (such as modifying injection rates or well pressures) to prevent leakage events while optimizing storage efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If modularized device with multiple core holders and monitoring tools is used to simulate and monitor CO2 storage process, then measurement precision and monitoring capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into modular sensor packages (acoustic logging tools, pressure-temperature sensors, flow meters) that can be independently installed in each core holder or injection well. This segmentation allows precise localized measurements without requiring a monolithic complex system, enabling accurate CO2 migration tracking while managing device complexity through standardized modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs multi-functional sensors and monitoring tools that can measure multiple parameters (pressure, temperature, acoustic signals, fluid flow) simultaneously. For example, the acoustic logging tool serves both for detecting CO2 gas distribution and monitoring cap rock integrity, while pressure sensors monitor both injection pressure and potential leakage pressure differentials. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate devices needed, managing complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
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
Enables quantitative study and monitoring of CO2 storage, simulating various geological structures and fluid flows, providing reliable data on CO2 accumulation and movement, thus mitigating leakage risks and enhancing storage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic logging tool...monitor movement of a gas-water interface
Implementation Method 2
a first pressure pump...a second pressure pump...inject carbon dioxide gas into a top of the deep saline aquifer
Implementation Method 3
a heater...form an anticline structure with stable shape and temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A device for simulating carbon dioxide storage in a deep saline aquifer, including a CO2 gas source, first and second valves, first and second pressure pumps, first, second and third pressure gauges, a water storage tank, a simulation box, a first flow meter, a gas-liquid separator, a recycling tank, a microcomputer-display assembly, a structure plate, core holders, an injection pipeline, a connection pipeline, a baffle, a piezometer, a second flow meter, a heater, a lifter and an acoustic logging tool. The CO2 gas source, the first valve, the first pressure pump and the first pressure gauge for gas injection. The water storage tank, a second pressure pump and a second pressure gauge for water injection. The second valve, the third pressure gauge, the first flow meter, the gas-liquid separator and the recycling tank form an output pipeline.