Interplay of molecular size and pore network geometry on the diffusion of dissolved gases and HTO in Boom Clay

Jacops, Elke; Aertsens, Marc; Maes, N.; Bruggeman, Christophe; Krooss, B.M.; Amann-Hildenbrand, Alexandra; Swennen, Rudy; Littke, Ralf

doi:10.1016/j.apgeochem.2016.11.022

Cited by 30 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Recently, diffusion coefficients of dissolved gases (He and Ar) have been measured in Boom Clay, Callovo-Oxfordian Clay, and Opalinus Clay and results have been reported by Jacops et al [22] and Jacops et al [23].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

“…In clay, a relation between the size of the diffusing molecule (expressed by the kinetic diameter) and its diffusion coefficient has been observed [22,23]. The effect of the size of diffusing molecules on its diffusion coefficient in CallovoOxfordian Clay has also been discussed by Dagnelie et al [35].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…As the flanges were provided with a circulation loop, good contact between the water containing the dissolved gas and the clay sample was ensured. More information on the preparation of these samples can be found in Jacops et al [23] and Jacops et al [22].…”

Section: Sample Preparationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Samples from this formation are in this work described as "clayey sand." One of the topics under investigation is the effect of variations in the clay and silt/sand content on the diffusion parameters [23]. Therefore, samples have been selected based on their location in the lithostratigraphic column.…”

Section: Clay Samplesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A more detailed description can be found in Jacops et al [23]. The water vessels were filled with 250 mL synthetic pore water and 250 mL Ar at 1 MPa.…”

Section: Diffusion Of Htomentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Dependency of Diffusion Coefficients and Geometric Factor on the Size of the Diffusing Molecule: Observations for Different Clay-Based Materials

et al. 2017

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In order to investigate in more detail the relation between the size of diffusing molecules and their diffusion coefficients (and geometric factors), diffusion experiments with gases of different size and tritiated water (HTO) have been performed on different clayey samples (Boom Clay, Eigenbilzen Sands, Opalinus Clay, Callovo-Oxfordian Clay, and bentonite with different dry densities). We observed that, for unreactive gases in clayey materials, the effective diffusion coefficient varies with the size of the diffusing molecule and this variation can be described by an exponential or a power law function. The variation of the geometric factor can also be described by an exponential function. The observed experimental relations can be used to estimate diffusion coefficients; by measuring experimentally in clay the effective diffusion coefficient of two unreactive dissolved gases with a different size, the diffusion coefficients of other dissolved gases (with a size in between the two measured gases) can be estimated by using the fitted exponential relationship.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Section: Sample Preparationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Clay Samplesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A more detailed description can be found in Jacops et al [23]. The water vessels were filled with 250 mL synthetic pore water and 250 mL Ar at 1 MPa.…”

Section: Diffusion Of Htomentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Dependency of Diffusion Coefficients and Geometric Factor on the Size of the Diffusing Molecule: Observations for Different Clay-Based Materials

et al. 2017

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Predicting Fluid Flow Regime, Permeability, and Diffusivity in Mudrocks from Multiscale Pore Characterisation

Rezaeyan

Pipich

et al. 2021

Transp Porous Med

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In geoenergy applications, mudrocks prevent fluids to leak from temporary (H2, CH4) or permanent (CO2, radioactive waste) storage/disposal sites and serve as a source and reservoir for unconventional oil and gas. Understanding transport properties integrated with dominant fluid flow mechanisms in mudrocks is essential to better predict the performance of mudrocks within these applications. In this study, small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments were conducted on 71 samples from 13 different sets of mudrocks across the globe to capture the pore structure of nearly the full pore size spectrum (2 nm–5 μm). We develop fractal models to predict transport properties (permeability and diffusivity) based on the SANS-derived pore size distributions. The results indicate that transport phenomena in mudrocks are intrinsically pore size-dependent. Depending on hydrostatic pore pressures, transition flow develops in micropores, slip flow in meso- and macropores, and continuum flow in larger macropores. Fluid flow regimes progress towards larger pore sizes during reservoir depletion or smaller pore sizes during fluid storage, so when pressure is decreased or increased, respectively. Capturing the heterogeneity of mudrocks by considering fractal dimension and tortuosity fractal dimension for defined pore size ranges, fractal models integrate apparent permeability with slip flow, Darcy permeability with continuum flow, and gas diffusivity with diffusion flow in the matrix. This new model of pore size-dependent transport and integrated transport properties using fractal models yields a systematic approach that can also inform multiscale multi-physics models to better understand fluid flow and transport phenomena in mudrocks on the reservoir and basin scale.

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Unlocking the potential of underground hydrogen storage for clean energy solutions

Dodangoda,

Ranjith,

Haque

2024

Geomech. Geophys. Geo-energ. Geo-resour.

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This review paper provides a critical examination of underground hydrogen storage (UHS) as a viable solution for large-scale energy storage, surpassing 10 GWh capacities, and contrasts it with aboveground methods. It exploes into the challenges posed by hydrogen injection, such as the potential for hydrogen loss and alterations in the petrophysical and petrographic characteristics of rock structures, which could compromise the efficiency of UHS systems. Central to our analysis is a detailed overview of hydrogen solubility across various solvents, an extensive database of potential mineralogical reactions within underground storage environments, and their implications for hydrogen retention. We particularly focus on the effects of these reactions on the porosity of reservoir and cap rocks, the role of diffusion in hydrogen loss, and the consequences of multiphase flow induced by hydrogen injection. Our findings highlight the critical mineralogical reactions—specifically, goethite reduction and calcite dissolution—and their pronounced impact on increasing cap rock porosity. We underscore a notable discovery: hydrogen's solubility in non-aqueous phases is significantly higher than in aqueous phases, nearly an order of magnitude greater. The paper not only presents quantitative insights into the mechanisms of hydrogen loss but also pinpoints areas in need of further research to deepen our understanding of UHS dynamics. By identifying these research gaps, we aim to guide future studies towards enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of UHS facilities, thereby supporting the transition towards sustainable energy systems. This work is pivotal for industry stakeholders seeking to optimize UHS practices, ensuring both the effective utilization of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier and the advancement of global sustainable energy goals.

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Interplay of molecular size and pore network geometry on the diffusion of dissolved gases and HTO in Boom Clay

Cited by 30 publications

References 24 publications

The Dependency of Diffusion Coefficients and Geometric Factor on the Size of the Diffusing Molecule: Observations for Different Clay-Based Materials

The Dependency of Diffusion Coefficients and Geometric Factor on the Size of the Diffusing Molecule: Observations for Different Clay-Based Materials

Predicting Fluid Flow Regime, Permeability, and Diffusivity in Mudrocks from Multiscale Pore Characterisation

Unlocking the potential of underground hydrogen storage for clean energy solutions

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