Numerical simulations of the injection and migration behavior of carbon dioxide

Abstract

This paper discusses the behavior of carbon dioxide (CO2) when it is injected and migrated upward from deep saline formations. Research and Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE) had undertaken a five-year project beginning in 2000 with the goal of pursuing R and D to establish the underground storage of carbon dioxide (CO2). Technical basis of the underground storage of CO2 is offered by underground gas storage and enhanced oil recovery. But, it is important for starting the commercial scale CO2 storage in Japan to provide assurance that CO2 can remain trapped underground for very long periods and does not create local health and safety problems for humans or the ecosystem. The geological model discussed in the chapter is based on the aquifer offshore Japan that might be considered as one of candidate sites. On the basis of the results, it was clear that care should be taken not to create channels of leakage in the seal rock by controlling the injection rates and safe injection pressure for CO2 during the injection phase because the pressure of the aquifer increases gradually as CO2 is injected. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.