Numerical studies of CO$_2$ leakage remediation by micp-based plugging technology

TL;DR

This paper develops a numerical simulation framework for microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) to evaluate its effectiveness in sealing CO₂ leakage pathways in geological storage, demonstrating its potential as a remediation technology.

Contribution

It introduces a novel open-source numerical simulator for MICP, compares it with existing models, and applies it to a 3D reservoir scenario to assess leakage sealing strategies.

Findings

MICP can effectively seal leakage paths in geological formations.

The developed simulator is validated against existing models.

Injection strategies influence the success of leakage remediation.

Abstract

Microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is a technology for sealing leakage paths to ensure the safe storage of CO$_2$ in geological formations. In this work we introduce a numerical simulator of MICP for field-scale studies. This simulator is implemented in the open porous media (OPM) framework. We compare the numerical results to simulations using an upgraded implementation of the mathematical model in the MATLAB reservoir simulation toolbox (MRST). Finally, we consider a 3D system consisting of two aquifers separated by caprock with a leakage path across the width of the reservoir. We study a strategy where microbial solution is injected only at the beginning of the treatment and subsequently either growth solution or cementation solution is injected for biofilm development or calcite precipitation. By applying this strategy, the numerical results show that the MICP technology could be used to seal these leakage paths.