Simulation of hydraulic-mechanical (HM) coupling geo-processes at Ketzin CO2 sequestration site using the code TOUGHMP-FLAC3D

Abstract

CO2 injection into saline aquifer triggers some coupled geo-processes including hydraulic-mechanical effects. In this study, hydraulic-mechanical (HM) coupling effects were investigated by means of the simulation code TOUGHMPFLAC3D, and the results were compared with those obtained using the TOUGH2-MP code. Results of the measured and simulated parametric data give a relatively good match. The evolution of the pore pressure and formation stresses in the reservoir and caprock are measured and analyzed during CO2 injection. Simulation results show that at the given optimal CO2 injection rate, the HM coupling effects neither affect the integrity of the caprock nor reactivate the existing closed fault. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.