You are here:
Semi-Analytical Models of CO2 Injection into Deep Saline Aquifers: Evaluation of the Area of Review and Leakage through Abandoned Wells
Citation:
KRAEMER, S. R., D. C. DIGIULIO, AND A. LEVINE. Semi-Analytical Models of CO2 Injection into Deep Saline Aquifers: Evaluation of the Area of Review and Leakage through Abandoned Wells. Presented at American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, December 15 - 19, 2008.
Impact/Purpose:
see description
Description:
This presentation will provide a conceptual preview of an Area of Review (AoR) tool being developed by EPA’s Office of Research and Development that applies analytic and semi-analytical mathematical solutions to elucidate potential risks associated with geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide into deep saline subsurface formations. These solutions can be applied to commercial scale injections of supercritical CO2 and enable the zone of influence and potential endangerment to be mapped, thereby helping to delineate the AoR. We anticipate implementing the semi-analytical solutions into an open source computer modeling framework. The major risks to be evaluated by the AoR tool include: induced subsurface pressures that may force native saline waters into an underground source of drinking water (USDW), and the potential transport of CO2 away from the injection center and out of the receiving zone. Both of these phenomena are influenced by leakage and compromises of the sealing layers, such as presented by abandoned wells or other subsurface penetrations. The semi-analytical solutions will be tested against numerical solutions (TOUGH2/ECO2N) and field data associated with the Kimberlina test injection site near Bakersfield, CA. The AoR tool will be used to simulate a hypothetical commercial scale injection and to evaluate if existing or potential USDW aquifers may be adversely impacted by short-term or long-term geologic sequestration activities. The AoR tool will be useful for permit applicants and regulators evaluating potential exposure and risks associated with geoequestration under the Underground Injection Control (UIC) program.