Experimental methods for characterization of cap rock properties for CO2 storage

Abstract

This paper presents laboratory methods utilized at Norwegian Geotechnical Institute for characterizing cap rock for CO2 storage reservoirs. The focus is on the physico-mechanical characterization of shale using standard rock physical-mechanical testing and some special designed set-ups for advanced experimental conditions. The Brazilian, uniaxial and triaxial tests are explained along with some examples from North Sea, Barents Sea and Svalbard. The CO2core flood tests have been designed and carried out in the NGI laboratory for investigating rock-CO2 interaction. Monitoring techniques such as CT-scanning,acoustic measurement, acoustic emission and resistivity are used and described in the paper. Brief description of development/upgrading of laboratory instruments for conducting more advanced experiments is also included. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.