Gridding Effects on CO2 Trapping in Deep Saline Aquifers

Three-dimensional numerical models of potential underground storage and compositional simulation are a way to study the feasibility storing carbon dioxide in existing geological formations. However, results simulations affected by many parameters, we proved that refinement model grid is one them. In this study, impact discretization on CO2 trapping when injected into deep saline aquifer was investigated. Initially, well bottom-hole pressure profiles during injection were simulated using four different grids. As expected, confirmed overpressure reached strongly gridding, with coarse grids leading non-representative values unless suitable ramp-up strategy adopted. Then, same used simulate behavior after so as assess whether space would also affect quantity trapped mechanisms. A comparison obtained showed there significant gridding amount permanently residual solubility trapping, especially few hundred years following injection. Conversely, stratigraphic/hydrodynamic initially confining due an impermeable caprock, does not depend whereas mineral typically occur over timescale. The conclusions fine discretization, which acknowledged be needed for reliable description evolution injection, highly recommended obtain representative simulating subsurface. expedients allow perform even Permanently correctly quantified grids, but assessment can performed small, fine-grid model, then extended large, coarse-grid model. issue particularly relevant because safety strictly connected permanent time.