In this study, the effective stress law for the permeability of two core plugs selected from Berea (Cleveland Quarries, OH, USA) and Knorringfjellet (Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway) sandstones is studied experimentally by measuring the core permeability (k) under varying confining stress (σc) and pore pressures (Pp). The obtained results demonstrate that the permeabilities of the two core plugs decrease with increasing σc or decreasing Pp. The effective stress coefficient for the permeability (αk) values are more than 1.0 for both sandstone core plugs indicating higher sensitivity of the permeability with respect to the applied Pp compared to the applied σc. The previously presented models for calculating αk, such as the Clay Free, Clay Shell, and Clay Particle models, are discussed and a new modified Clay Shell model considering spherical geometry is presented to account for the considerable contrast between the elastic moduli of quartz and clay minerals. The discussed models strongly depend on the magnitude of the considered elastic moduli for the clay minerals. While the Clay Shell and Clay Particle models are capable of describing the observed αk values by considering extremely low elastic moduli for clays, the new modified Clay Shell model is capable of predicting αk values by considering moderate to low values of elastic moduli of clays. The increasing trend of αk values by increasing the σc is discussed and a new correlation based on the observed k values for calculation of αk is presented. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This study investigates fluid-flow properties of the low-permeability Brentskardhaugen Bed (Knorringfjellet Formation), Wilhelmøya Subgroup, western central Spitsbergen, Svalbard. To evaluate the two-phase relative permeability of the water-CO 2 system, we performed unsteady state core-flooding experiments using deionised water and gaseous CO 2 . The absolute permeability and residual fluid saturations were also studied. Moreover, a core plug of the Berea sandstone was tested as a reference sample. The core-flooding experiments recorded microDarcy permeability values (0.022-0.039 mD) for various differential pressures (4 to 12 MPa). The poor grain sorting and the abundance of cement were the main factors controlling the low matrix permeabilities. Closure of sub-micron fractures was the likely reason for reduced permeability with increasing effective stresses. The experimental measurements showed that CO 2 fractional flow reached unity at relatively low CO 2 saturation (approximately 0.35-0.45). The irreducible water saturation and trapped CO 2 saturation were 56% and 23%, respectively. The corresponding endpoint CO 2 and water relative permeability were 0.18 and 0.47, respectively. The results, therefore, demonstrate low endpoint CO 2 saturation and low relative permeability, in addition to high CO 2 fractional flow at high water saturation. The trapped CO 2 saturation was relatively high, which suggests a high CO 2 immobilisation capability of the Wilhelmøya Subgroup sandstones. Moreover, a lower relative permeability was observed for gaseous CO 2 compared to published results for supercritical CO 2 . In addition, the examined core sample showed a higher trapped CO 2 saturation and higher endpoint CO 2 relative permeability compared with the porous and permeable Berea sandstone.

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Subsurface storage of CO2 into geological formations is considered an important strategy to mitigate increasing atmospheric CO2. Time‐lapse seismic monitoring is an integral component of a geological CO2 sequestration project because the seismic behavior of the rock is a function of both mineralogical composition and pore fluid properties. At the uppermost kilometer of the sedimentary basin, CO2 can be present at gaseous, liquid, and supercritical states, with the supercritical and liquid states preferred in CO2 storage operations due to the higher sweep efficiency. In this study, the seismic velocities [both compressional (Vp) and shear (Vs) waves] of two CO2‐saturated sandstone core plugs (Red Wildmoor and Knorringfjellet formations) have been measured under a range of temperatures and pressures in which CO2 phase transitions occur. The experiments were done using a uniaxial hydrostatic cell equipped with seismic wave transmitting and receiving transducers. The experimental investigation illustrated that seismic velocities (both Vp and Vs) decreased until the critical point was reached. Further increases in the CO2 pressure above the critical point led to a gradual increasing of Vp while the Vs remained unchanged. The effect of CO2 on the seismic velocity of the sandstone was compared with the effects of N2 and distilled water at the same conditions. It was further indicated that the seismic velocity changes were mainly connected to significant changes of CO2 density and the corresponding bulk rock moduli over the critical point. The observed velocities are in good agreement with Gassmann‐predicted velocities as well as literature data. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd