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A Stability Assessment of Fault-Caprock Trapping Systems for CO 2 Storage in Saline Aquifer Layers Using a Coupled THMC Model

Author

Listed:
  • Mingying Xie

    (CNOOC (China) Ltd., Shenzhen 518054, China
    CNOOC Deepwater Development Ltd., Shenzhen 518054, China)

  • Shenghao Wang

    (CNOOC (China) Ltd., Shenzhen 518054, China
    CNOOC Deepwater Development Ltd., Shenzhen 518054, China)

  • Shasha Feng

    (CNOOC (China) Ltd., Shenzhen 518054, China
    CNOOC Deepwater Development Ltd., Shenzhen 518054, China)

  • Chao Xu

    (CNOOC (China) Ltd., Shenzhen 518054, China
    CNOOC Deepwater Development Ltd., Shenzhen 518054, China)

  • Xisheng Li

    (CNOOC (China) Ltd., Shenzhen 518054, China
    CNOOC Deepwater Development Ltd., Shenzhen 518054, China)

  • Xiaona Sun

    (CNOOC (China) Ltd., Shenzhen 518054, China
    CNOOC Deepwater Development Ltd., Shenzhen 518054, China)

  • Yueqiang Ma

    (State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
    School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China)

  • Quan Gan

    (State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
    School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China)

  • Tao Wang

    (State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
    School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China)

Abstract

Deep saline aquifers provide significant potential for CO 2 storage and are crucial in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). However, ensuring the long-term safe storage of CO 2 remains challenging due to the complexity of coupled thermal, hydrological, mechanical, and chemical (THMC) processes. This study is one of a few to incorporate fault-controlled reservoir structures in the Enping 15-1 oilfield to simulate the performance of CO 2 geological storage. A systematic analysis of factors influencing CO 2 storage safety, such as the trap area, aquifer layer thickness, caprock thickness, reservoir permeability, and reservoir porosity, was conducted. We identified the parameters with the most significant impact on storage performance and provided suitable values to enhance storage safety. The results show that a large trap area and aquifer thickness are critical for site selection. Low permeability and large caprock thickness prevent CO 2 from escaping, which is important for long-term and stable storage. These findings contribute to developing site-specific guidelines for CO 2 storage in faulted reservoirs.

Suggested Citation

  • Mingying Xie & Shenghao Wang & Shasha Feng & Chao Xu & Xisheng Li & Xiaona Sun & Yueqiang Ma & Quan Gan & Tao Wang, 2025. "A Stability Assessment of Fault-Caprock Trapping Systems for CO 2 Storage in Saline Aquifer Layers Using a Coupled THMC Model," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-28, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:4:p:900-:d:1590281
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Cameron Hepburn & Ella Adlen & John Beddington & Emily A. Carter & Sabine Fuss & Niall Mac Dowell & Jan C. Minx & Pete Smith & Charlotte K. Williams, 2019. "The technological and economic prospects for CO2 utilization and removal," Nature, Nature, vol. 575(7781), pages 87-97, November.
    2. Aminu, Mohammed D. & Nabavi, Seyed Ali & Rochelle, Christopher A. & Manovic, Vasilije, 2017. "A review of developments in carbon dioxide storage," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 208(C), pages 1389-1419.
    3. Pruess, Karsten & García, Julio & Kovscek, Tony & Oldenburg, Curt & Rutqvist, Jonny & Steefel, Carl & Xu, Tianfu, 2004. "Code intercomparison builds confidence in numerical simulation models for geologic disposal of CO2," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 29(9), pages 1431-1444.
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