Critical Review of Interfacial Tension of CO2-brine Systems: Implications for CO2 Storage

Abstract

Carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) constitute promising underground storage techniques to address the challenge of climate change. Subsurface storage of carbon dioxide depends on several factors like injectivity, formation characteristics, sealing integrity etc. One critical parameter is the interfacial tension (IFT) of the fluid-fluid system in question e.g., CO2-brine IFT for CO2 geo-storage. Importantly, the IFT influences the capillary pressure of the seal, which, in turn, controls fluid leakage. In addition, different fluid-fluid IFTs give rise to distinct relative permeability curves and residual saturations of the fluids, thereby impacting residual trapping characteristics. Successful application of EOR techniques is also dependent on the IFT of the carbonated water (CO2+water/brine) and the oil in place given that the IFT controls fluid miscibility and flow. Numerous researchers investigated the IFT of fluid-fluid systems and its effect on capacity estimates for CO2/H2 storage as well as the expected performance EOR techniques. Associated trends, however, have not been critically analyzed before. Thus, this paper presents a critical review of published data sets on CO2-brine IFTs. The significance of IFT for underground gas storage and EOR applications is detailed. IFT depends primarily on pressure, temperature, and salinity. The influence of pressure, temperature, and salinity on IFT and associated trends are analyzed. In addition, latest developments pertaining IFT measurements for sequestration purposes are discussed from a risk managing perspective. Finally, this study elucidates research gaps and presents a future outlook.

Machine learning approaches for estimating interfacial tension between oil/gas and oil/water systems: a performance analysis

“…The study effectively formulated six intelligent models, considering multiple variables, to enhance the forecasting of IFT, which plays a crucial role in CO 2 geo-storage capacity estimations. Additionally, applying the model to a real UAE carbonate saline aquifer yielded optimal storage depth insights, underlining the practical application of the research 41 .…”

Effect of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids on the Sandstone Reservoir’s Wettability: Implications for CO2 Geo-Storage

“…This aligns well with the existing literature. 65 Moreover, the introduction of ILs led to a further reduction in IFT based on the chain length, with C12 being the most efficient for IFT reduction.…”

CO2/Water Interfacial Tension under Induced Acidic Conditions Employing Dissipative Particle Dynamics Simulations

“…The IFT between water and CO 2 is affected by various factors such as temperature, pressure, salinity, and other variables. 22 Understanding the significance of all of the factors that influence the IFT between water and CO 2 is very important for establishing an accurate comprehension of CO 2 movements in storage sites. The caprock is dependent on capillary forces to impede the vertical movement of CO 2 .…”

“…Two common techniques for determining the IFT within the CO 2 −water system are molecular dynamics simulations 30,31 and the pendant drop method. 22,32 The laboratory-based pendant drop method involves studying the shape of a drop of a particular fluid, which is suspended from the tip of a thin needle, into another immiscible fluid. The droplet's shape is established by the equilibrium between the downward pull of gravity and the surface tension occurring at the surface of the droplet.…”