Field-case simulation of CO2 -plume migration using vertical-equilibrium models

Nilsen, Halvor Møll; Herrera, Paulo; Ashraf, Muhammad; Ligaarden, Ingeborg Skjelkvåle; Iding, Martin; Hermanrud, Christian; Lie, Knut–Andreas; Nordbotten, Jan Martin; Dahle, Helge K.; Keilegavlen, Eirik

doi:10.1016/j.egypro.2011.02.315

Cited by 74 publications

(65 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…We have previously used sequential splitting methods for the simplified incompressible models discussed in Section 3, and this choice has proved to be both efficient and robust in the sense that these methods produce stable solutions [27,33]. In [42], we also pointed out that the coupling between pressure and transport tends to be weak for migration-type scenarios formulated in a VE framework compared to a standard 3D simulation.…”

Section: Choice Of Numerical Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Alternatively, one can use the implicit pressure, explicit saturation (IMPES) method, in which the time step is limited by the CFL restriction on the explicit saturation update, or a sequential splitting that combines a pressure solver with an appropriate explicit or (semi-)implicit saturation solver. Several commercial simulators have vertical-equilibrium options that work with both fully-implicit and sequential solvers (see, e.g., [27,68]). This option has been added both to improve computational performance and numerical accuracy for thin and/or well-segregated reservoirs.…”

Section: Choice Of Numerical Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Later, the class of VE models has been extended to incorporate most of the flow effects that are pertinent to large-scale migration, including compressibility [29], convective dissolution [30,31], capillary fringe [32], small-scale caprock topography variations [33][34][35], various hysteretic effects [36][37][38], multiple geological layers [39,40], and heat transfer [41]. In particular, several studies show that vertical equilibrium simulations compare well with 3D simulators on case studies of the Johansen aquifer [42] and the 9 th layer of the Sleipner injection [27,43]. The assumption of vertical equilibrium not only reduces the number of spatial dimensions, and hence the number of grid cells, but will also reduce the coupling between pressure and fluid transport and improve the characteristic time constants of the problem [42].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The validity of the simplifying assumptions underlying VE models has been studied both with respect to spatial [20] and temporal [21] scales, and the utility of VE models is thoroughly discussed in, e.g., [22,23]. Early studies focused on VE models with a sharpinterface assumption [24][25][26], and models that only account for the basic effects of buoyant migration were successfully used to simulate long-term migration in the Utsira [27] and Johansen [28] aquifers. Later, the class of VE models has been extended to incorporate most of the flow effects that are pertinent to large-scale migration, including compressibility [29], convective dissolution [30,31], capillary fringe [32], small-scale caprock topography variations [33][34][35], various hysteretic effects [36][37][38], multiple geological layers [39,40], and heat transfer [41].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Robust simulation of sharp-interface models for fast estimation of CO2 trapping capacity in large-scale aquifer systems

2015

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Modeling geological carbon storage represents a new and substantial challenge for the subsurface geosciences. To increase understanding and make good engineering decisions, containment processes and large-scale storage operations must be simulated in a thousand-year perspective. Large differences in spatial and temporal scales make it prohibitively expensive to compute the fate of injected CO 2 using traditional 3D simulators. Instead, accurate forecast can be computed using simplified models that are adapted to the specific setting of the bouyancy-driven migration of the light fluid phase. This paper presents a family of vertically integrated models for studying the combined large-scale and long-term effects of structural, residual, and solubility trapping of CO 2 . The models are based on an assumption of a sharp interface separating CO 2 and brine and can provide a detailed inventory of the injected CO 2 volumes over periods of thousands of years within reasonable computational time. To be compatible with simulation tools used in industry, the models are formulated in a black-oil framework. The models are implemented in MRST-co2lab, which is an open community

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Section: Choice Of Numerical Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Choice Of Numerical Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Robust simulation of sharp-interface models for fast estimation of CO2 trapping capacity in large-scale aquifer systems

2015

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“…Multiple comparison studies have shown that results provided by VE modeling compare well with those obtained from full 3D simulations in many scenarios (Class et al 2009;Ligaarden and Nilsen 2010;Nilsen et al 2011;. In recent years, VE models for CO 2 storage have been a subject of active research.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Vertically Averaged Equations with Variable Density for $$\hbox {CO}_2$$ CO 2 Flow in Porous Media

2014

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Carbon capture and storage has been proposed as a viable option to reduce CO 2 emissions. Geological storage of CO 2 where the gas is injected into geological formations for practically indefinite storage, is an integral part of this strategy. Mathematical models and numerical simulations are important tools to better understand the processes taking place underground during and after injection. Due to the very large spatial and temporal scales involved, commercial 3D-based simulators for the petroleum industry quickly become impractical for answering questions related to the long-term fate of injected CO 2 . There is an interest in developing simplified modeling tools that are effective for this type of problem. One approach investigated in recent years is the use of upscaled models based on the assumption of vertical equilibrium (VE). Under this assumption, the simulation problem is essentially reduced from 3D to 2D, allowing much larger models to be considered at the same computational cost. So far, most work on VE models for CO 2 storage has either assumed incompressible CO 2 or only permitted lateral variations in CO 2 density (semi-compressible). In the present work, we propose a way to fully include variable CO 2 density within the VE framework, making it possible to also model vertical density changes. We derive the fine-scale and upscaled equations involved and investigate the resulting effects. In addition, we compare incompressible, semi-compressible, and fully compressible CO 2 flow for some model scenarios, using an in-house, fully-implicit numerical code based on automatic differentiation, implemented using the MATLAB reservoir simulation toolkit.

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A vertically integrated model with vertical dynamics for CO₂ storage

Guo

Bandilla

Doster

et al. 2014

Water Resources Research

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Conventional vertically integrated models for CO 2 storage usually adopt a vertical equilibrium (VE) assumption, which states that due to strong buoyancy, CO 2 and brine segregate quickly, so that the fluids can be assumed to have essentially hydrostatic pressure distributions in the vertical direction. However, the VE assumption is inappropriate when the time scale of fluid segregation is not small relative to the simulation time. By casting the vertically integrated equations into a multiscale framework, a new vertically integrated model can be developed that relaxes the VE assumption, thereby allowing vertical dynamics to be modeled explicitly. The model maintains much of the computational efficiency of vertical integration while allowing a much wider range of problems to be modeled. Numerical tests of the new model, using injection scenarios with typical parameter sets, show excellent behavior of the new approach for homogeneous geologic formations.

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Field-case simulation of CO2 -plume migration using vertical-equilibrium models

Cited by 74 publications

References 19 publications

Robust simulation of sharp-interface models for fast estimation of CO2 trapping capacity in large-scale aquifer systems

Robust simulation of sharp-interface models for fast estimation of CO2 trapping capacity in large-scale aquifer systems

Vertically Averaged Equations with Variable Density for $$\hbox {CO}_2$$ CO 2 Flow in Porous Media

A vertically integrated model with vertical dynamics for CO₂ storage

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Field-case simulation of CO2 -plume migration using vertical-equilibrium models

Cited by 74 publications

References 19 publications

Robust simulation of sharp-interface models for fast estimation of CO2 trapping capacity in large-scale aquifer systems

Robust simulation of sharp-interface models for fast estimation of CO2 trapping capacity in large-scale aquifer systems

Vertically Averaged Equations with Variable Density for $$\hbox {CO}_2$$ CO 2 Flow in Porous Media

A vertically integrated model with vertical dynamics for CO2 storage

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Product

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A vertically integrated model with vertical dynamics for CO₂ storage