Simulation of near-well pressure build-up in models of CO2 injection

Gillian Elizabeth Pickup, Min Jin, Eric James Mackay

    Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

    Abstract

    Reservoir simulation plays an important role in predicting the outcome of a CO2 storage project, although it is challenging to simulate all the processes that arise. In particular, we need to predict the build-up of pressure in the near well region to be able to estimate the optimum injection rate whilst ensuring that the formation and overlying caprock are not fractured. In this work, we compare simulations of horizontal homogeneous models, with both 1D radial and 2D Cartesian grids, with analytical calculations of pressure build-up. Our results show that several inaccuracies arise when using too coarse a grid, due to the inability to resolve the shock fronts adequately. In a coarse cell, the amount of dissolution is over-estimated and the gas saturation builds up slowly. The presence of a large cell with intermediate gas saturation gives rise to a peak in the pressure build-up curve (due to low mobility). The pressure eventually reduces to the "correct" value when the dry-out region forms. However, if injection ceases before this time, the final pressure will be over-estimated. As the grid size is reduced, these effects become less severe.
    Original languageEnglish
    Number of pages10
    Publication statusPublished - 10 Sept 2012
    Event13th European Conference on the Mathematics of Oil Recovery 2012 - Biarritz, France
    Duration: 10 Sept 201213 Sept 2012

    Conference

    Conference13th European Conference on the Mathematics of Oil Recovery 2012
    Abbreviated titleECMOR XIII
    Country/TerritoryFrance
    CityBiarritz
    Period10/09/1213/09/12

    Keywords

    • CO2 storage
    • Reservoir simulation

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