Optimizing CO2 Storage in a Deep Saline Aquifer with the Capacitance-resistance Model

Abstract CO2 storage in deep brine-filled structures accompanied by brine extraction has several advantages over conventional large-scale storage schemes. Using conventional reservoir simulators to optimize CO2 injection/brine extraction requires a model of the petrophysical properties of the storage formation. When those properties are poorly characterized, a useful alternative tool is the Capacitance-injection/extraction histories as input. One important characteristic of CRM is that it identifies the connectivities between injectors and extractors. We show the effectiveness of the method on a homogeneous aquifer with variable injection rates. We further describe a workflow that optimizes subsequent CO2 storage in the aquifer using the CRM model parameters obtained from the injection/extraction history. The approach is illustrated on a heterogeneous storage aquifer and the results show a significant improvement in the amount of CO2 stored in the aquifer.

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