Three-Phase Compositional Simulation Modeling Coupled with Reactive
Transport: Application to Farnsworth Field CO2-EOR and Storage Project
Abstract
This poster presents field-scale numerical compositional simulations of
CO2 storage mechanisms in the Morrow B sandstone of the Farnsworth Unit
(FWU) located in Ochiltree County, Texas. The study examines
structural-stratigraphic, residual, solubility and mineral trapping
mechanisms. The reactive transport modeling incorporated evaluates the
field’s potential for long-term CO2 sequestration and predicts the CO2
injection effects on the pore fluid composition, mineralogy, porosity
and permeability. The dynamic CO2 sequestration simulation model was
built from an upscaled geocellar model for the Morrow B. This model
incorporated geological, geophysical, and engineering data including
well logs, core, 3D surface seismic and fluid analysis. We calibrated
the model with historical CO2-WAG miscible flood data and used it to
evaluate the feasibility and mechanisms for CO2 sequestration. We used
the maximum residual phase saturations to estimate the effect of gas
trapped due to hysteresis. In addition, gas solubility in the aqueous
phase was modelled as function of pressure, temperature and salinity.
Lastly, the coupled geochemical reactions, i.e., the characteristic
intra-aqueous and mineral dissolution/precipitation reactions were
assimilated numerically as chemical equilibrium and rate-dependent
reactions respectively. Additional scenarios that involve shut-in of
wells were performed and the reservoir monitored for over 1000 years to
understand possible mineralization. Changes in permeability as a
function of changes in porosity caused by mineral
precipitation/dissolution were calibrated to the laboratory
chemo-mechanical responses. The study validates the effects of Morrow B
petrophysical properties on CO2 storage potential within the FWU. Study
results shows: EOR at the tertiary stage of field operations, total
amount of CO2 stored in aqueous-gaseous-mineral phases, evolution and
dissolution/precipitation of the principal accessory minerals and the
time scale over which mineral sequestration took place in the FWU. This
study relates the important physics and mechanisms for CO2 storage in
the FWU and illustrates the use of the coupled reactive flow. The study
serves as a is benchmark for future field-scale reactive transport
CO2-EOR projects in similar fields throughout the world.