Subsurface CO 2 leakage: Lab-scale study of salient characteristics and assessment of borehole-based detection using resistivity tomography

E. S. Bang*, J. S. Son, J. C. Santamarina

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

A unique laboratory facility is developed for the observation of subsurface CO 2 leakage evolution. A thin transparent tank is filled with different sizes of glass-beads to form controlled layered stratigraphies; then the medium is saturated with water mixed with a universal pH indicator. The flowcontrolled injection of CO 2is carefully controlled using pressure transducers with precise needle valve and, time-lapse photography permits capturing the evolution of gas invasion and diffusion. Results show the nature of CO 2 gas migration in the near surface, the effect of fine-grained layers such as the cap-rock, water acidification near conduits and subsequent diffusion, the convection of carbonated water. In addition to this trial to understand salient characteristics on subsurface CO 2 leakage, applicability of borehole based resistivity tomography is assessed. Measurement system for resistivity tomography is attached to the CO 2gas migration monitoring system. Produced resistivity images are compared with time-lapse digital images taken during CO 2 gas leakage simulation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationGeotechnical and Geophysical Site Characterization 4 - Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Site Characterization 4, ISC-4
Pages1441-1446
Number of pages6
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event4th International Conference on Site Characterization, ISC'4 - Pernambuco, Brazil
Duration: Sep 18 2012Sep 21 2012

Publication series

NameGeotechnical and Geophysical Site Characterization 4 - Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Site Characterization 4, ISC-4
Volume2

Other

Other4th International Conference on Site Characterization, ISC'4
Country/TerritoryBrazil
CityPernambuco
Period09/18/1209/21/12

Keywords

  • CO leakage
  • Carbonated water
  • Convection
  • Diffusion
  • Monitoring
  • Resistivity tomography

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geophysics
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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