On scale and magnitude of pressure build-up induced by large-scale geologic storage of CO2

The scale and magnitude of pressure perturbation and brine migration induced by geologic carbon sequestration is discussed assuming a full-scale deployment scenario in which enough CO{sub 2} is captured and stored to make relevant contributions to global climate change mitigation. In this scenario, the volumetric rates and cumulative volumes of CO{sub 2} injection would be comparable to or higher than those related to existing deep-subsurface injection and extraction activities, such as oil production. Large-scale pressure build-up in response to the injection may limit the dynamic storage capacity of suitable formations, because over-pressurization may fracture the caprock, may drive CO{sub 2}/brine leakage through localized pathways, and may cause induced seismicity. On the other hand, laterally extensive sedimentary basins may be less affected by such limitations because (i) local pressure effects are moderated by pressure propagation and brine displacement into regions far away from the CO{sub 2} storage domain; and (ii) diffuse and/or localized brine migration into overlying and underlying formations allows for pressure bleed-off in the vertical direction. A quick analytical estimate of the extent of pressure build-up induced by industrial-scale CO{sub 2} storage projects is presented. Also discussed are pressure perturbation and attenuation effects simulated for two representative sedimentary basins in the USA: the laterally extensive Illinois Basin and the partially compartmentalized southern San Joaquin Basin in California. These studies show that the limiting effect of pressure build-up on dynamic storage capacity is not as significant as suggested by Ehlig-Economides and Economides, who considered closed systems without any attenuation effects

CCS : between a rock and a hard place?

For the past decade and a half, CO2 has been stored underground successfully, and scientists are becoming increasingly confident that carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) can work at the required scale. But many people are still not convinced about its viability and are worried about costs. Andrew Chadwick, Consultant Editor, considers what needs to be done to reassure the public and the investment communit

Interview with Christine Ehlig-Economides

Technical Leaders Interview A conversation with Christine Ehlig-Economides, professor of petroleum engineering at Texas A&amp;M University. </jats:sec

Highlights of the TAMEST Task Force Report on Environmental and Community Impacts of Shale Development in Texas

Abstract The combined horizontal well and multistage hydraulic fracturing technologies that enabled profitable hydrocarbon production from shale gas and tight oil formations were developed and originally proven in Texas. Through these technologies Texas crude oil production tripled, and natural gas production increased by 50%. The Academies of Medicine, Engineering, and Science of Texas (TAMEST) appointed a task force to report on the impacts of shale gas and tight oil development in Texas. The task force goal was to evaluate the scientific basis of the current body of available information, both positive and negative, and effectively communicate to the public the current state of knowledge of environmental and community impacts of shale development in Texas. The task force members were selected from academia, industry, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations and focused on six key aspects: air, land, water, seismicity, transportation, and community social and economic impacts. Task force members summarized the published information they found and prepared findings and recommendations. Together these represent a thorough review of the Texas shale experience. This paper will present findings most informative for regions with potential resource plays. Tight oil development has brought the United States from a threatened condition under which oil consumption relied on nearly 60% imports to a sense of energy security. Shale gas development has enabled switching electric power generation from coal to cleaner and more efficient natural gas. Further, natural gas backs up power generation from intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Understanding the environmental and community impacts in Texas enables a more informed evaluation of the costs and benefits of these intense development practices.</jats:p

Recent developments in well test analysis in the Stanford Geothermal Program

In the past year a number of studies pertaining to geothermal well test analysis were conducted. In this paper a brief overview of progress on the following six subjects is presented: (1) earth tide effects on a closed reservoir, (2) transient pressure analysis of multilayered heterogeneous reservoirs, (3) interference testing with wellbore storage and skin at the producing well, (4) steam/water relative permeabilities, (5) transient rate and pressure buildup resulting from constant pressure production, and (6) transient pressure analysis of a parallelepiped reservoir

Reflections on Timing and Technology

Pillars of the Industry - Christine Ehlig-Economides reflects on her career and how being in the right place at the right time has made all the difference.</jats:p

Discover a Career in Pressure-Transient Testing

Discover a Career - Christine A. Ehlig-Economides discusses a career in pressure-transient testing.</jats:p