Global implicit solver for multiphase multicomponent flow in porous media with multiple gas phases and general reactions

Abstract

Multiphase multicomponent flow processes in porous media have to be considered to study the efficiency of mineral trapping mechanisms for climate killing gas storage in deep layers. Robust predictions ask for the solution of large nonlinear coupled systems of diffusion-advection-reaction (partial differential) equations containing equilibrium reactions. In that we elaborate the fully globally implicit Kräutle-Knabner PDE reduction method (cf. a former paper Kräutle and Knabner in Water Resour Res 43(3):W03429 [8]) for the case of multiple gas phases, we solve the arising Finite Element discretized/Finite Volume stabilized equations by means of a semismooth nested Newton solver. We present preliminary simulation results for the case of mutual injection of CO$$:2$$, CH$$:4$$ and H$$:2$$S into deep layers and investigate the arising mineral trapping scenario. Our methods are applicable also to other fields such as nuclear waste storage or oil recovery.