CO2 Trapping Paths

Geologic Carbon Storage

"CO2 is stored through four trapping mechanisms. These mechanisms occur simultaneously on injection within the pore space of a storage reservoir; however, the importance of each trapping mechanism – physical, residual, dissolution, mineralisation – changes with time and with the CO2 plume's evolution. Trapping of CO2 is strongly dependent on a site’s geology and local formation conditions (fluids, pressure, temperature)."

Global CCS Institute (2021 Report)

PoreStore

At the Kelly Lab, we look at the CO2 trapping paths (storage versus time per mechanism) for different rock types* and how they are impacted by the following variables:

  • Heterogeneity
  • Composition (mineralogy, organic matter)
  • Pore size distribution
  • Flow rate and capillary number
  • Water saturation (Sw) and brine composition
  • Surface area to volume ratios
  • Temperature, pressure

*tight (nanoporous) mudrocks and basalts to porous sandstones, scope depends on subproject

CCS reservoir