A New Coupled Approach to Simulating Fault Reactivation During CO2 Sequestration

Erfan Saber, Qingdong Qu, Saiied M. Aminossadati, Jimmy Li, Zhongwei Chen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is considered an important means to reducing CO2 emissions. One of the key technical risks associated with large scale CCS implementation is the potentially induced fault reactivation. To assess this risk, a coupled numerical approach was established by integrating three different software packages over four steps. Firstly, a field-scale structural geological modelling was conducted using the JewelSuite based on available geological, geophysical, and logging data. Secondly, dynamic CO2 injection was simulated using the reservoir simulator IMEX to predict reservoir pressure build-up. Thirdly, the pressure build-up and the associated reservoir uplift were simulated in the Finite Element software Abaqus. Finally, the Finite Element output database was re-imported into the JewelSuite to delineate the risk areas of fault reactivation. The feasibility of this new approach was tested on a real geological site featuring two faults. The results suggest that, for a given fault setting, the horizontal well placement and bottom hole injection pressure (BHIP) are two critical factors in determining the risk of fault reactivation. To minimise the risk, horizontal wells should not be placed within the intermediate region between faults. Where the borehole placement cannot be optimised, the critical BHIP should be estimated and controlled during operation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSociety of Petroleum Engineers - Asia Pacific Unconventional Resources Symposium, APUR 2023
PublisherSociety of Petroleum Engineers
ISBN (Electronic)9781959025146
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023
Externally publishedYes
Event2023 Asia Pacific Unconventional Resources Symposium, APUR 2023 - Brisbane, Australia
Duration: 14 Nov 202315 Nov 2023

Publication series

NameSociety of Petroleum Engineers - Asia Pacific Unconventional Resources Symposium, APUR 2023

Conference

Conference2023 Asia Pacific Unconventional Resources Symposium, APUR 2023
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityBrisbane
Period14/11/2315/11/23

Keywords

  • 3D geo-mechanical simulation
  • Bottom hole injection pressure
  • CO injection
  • Fault reactivation
  • well azimuth

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