Mineral Reactivity Modeling for Controlled CO2 Sequestration
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved systems and methods to analyze and determine the type and extent of chemical reactions occurring in geological formations in response to carbon dioxide injection for effective carbon capture and storage (CCS) operations.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided for determining the reactivity of minerals in a geological formation by characterizing mineral and fluid characteristics, using a reaction rate model, and estimating mineral modifications during CO2 injection and sequestration, followed by injecting CO2 based on the reactivity of the minerals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CO2 is injected into geological formations for sequestration, then carbon capture and storage capability is improved, but chemical reactions with minerals may cause unwanted changes in formation properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting laboratory experiments before actual CO2 injection to determine mineral reactivity indices. These pre-determined indices are used to predict and manage potential chemical reactions with geological formations, allowing operators to select appropriate target zones and adjust injection parameters to prevent unwanted compositional changes while ensuring reliable CO2 sequestration.
2Productivity
If mineral reactivity is not characterized, then CO2 injection can proceed without optimization, but injectivity and containment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using determined mineral reactivity indices to guide CO2 injection operations. These indices provide quantitative information about how minerals in the formation will react with CO2, allowing operators to adjust injection rates, monitor formation conditions, and modify operational parameters to maintain both high productivity and reliable containment.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive mineral characterization is performed, then reactivity prediction accuracy is improved, but analysis time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming complex mineralogical data into simplified reactivity indices. Instead of analyzing every mineral component in detail, the method uses determined indices that capture the essential reactivity characteristics, allowing for accurate predictions with reduced analysis time and computational complexity.
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 allows for predicting and quantifying chemical reactions in geological formations, enhancing the efficiency and safety of CCS operations by optimizing injectivity, capacity, and containment of CO2.
Implementation Method 1
characterize a chemical reactivity of one or more minerals present in the target zone of the geological formation in response to injection of CO2 into the target zone
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are methods of determining the reactivity of one or more minerals present within a geological formation within a target zone in response to the injection of CO2 into the target zone. For example, the methods may comprise one or more of the following steps: (1) determining one or more mineral and fluid characteristics of a geological formation comprising one or more minerals; (2) using a reaction rate model to characterize the chemical reactivity of one or more minerals present in a target zone of the geological formation in response to injection of CO2 into the target zone; (3) using a reactivity index model to estimate the amount of one or more minerals in the target zone that would be modified between a first time point and a second point during a CO2 injection and sequestration operation; and (4) injecting an amount of CO2 into the target zone based on the estimated reactivity of the one or more minerals present in the target zone.