3D Field-Scale Geomechanical Modeling of Potential CO2 Storage Site Smeaheia, Offshore Norway

Abstract

Injection-induced rock mechanical failure risks are critical in CO2 sequestration, and thus there is a need to evaluate these occurrences to ensure safe and reliable subsurface storage. A stress–strain-based numerical simulation can reveal the potential mechanical risks of any CO2 sites. This study investigated the hydromechanical effect on geomechanical failure due to injection-induced stress and pore pressure changes in the prospective CO2 storage site Smeaheia, offshore Norway. An inverted-seismic-property-driven 3D field-scale geomechanical model was carried out in the Smeaheia area to evaluate the rock failure and deformation risks in various pressure-build-up scenarios. A one-way coupling between the before- and after-injection pressure scenarios of nine different models has been iterated using the finite element method. The effect of the sensitivity of total pore volume and pore compressibility on rock mechanical deformation is also evaluated. Although various models illustrated comparative variability on failure potential, no model predicted caprock failure or fracture based on the Mohr–Coulomb failure envelope. Moreover, the lateral mechanical failure variation among different locations indicated the possibility to identify a safer injection point with less chances of leakage. In addition, the pore volume and pore compressibility significantly influence the mechanical behavior of the reservoir and caprock rocks. Although this analysis could predict better injection locations based on geomechanical behavior, a fluid simulation model needs to be simulated for assessing lateral and vertical plume migration before making an injection decision.

Impact of Regional Pressure Dissipation on Carbon Capture and Storage Projects: A Comprehensive Review

“…Geomechanical modelling is another vital tool for assessing pressure dissipation and its potential impact [146]. It involves the construction of numerical models that simulate the behaviour of the storage reservoir and surrounding rock formations under varying pressure conditions.…”

Effects of CO2 Geosequestration on Opalinus Clay

“…Therefore, it is essential to understand how shale caprocks react to CO 2 injection to assess the security and feasibility of CCS operations [3,4]. The hydromechanical response of shale caprocks to CO 2 injection involves a complex interplay of fluid flow and geomechanical deformation [5,6]. The injection of CO 2 alters the shale's pore pressure and fluid content, thereby affecting its mechanical characteristics [7].…”

Investigation of the Impact of Natural Fracture Geomechanics on the Efficiency of Oil Production and CO2 Injection from/to a Petroleum Structure: A Case Study

“…The geomechanical analysis of the reservoir also showed no sign of plastic strain under the production and gas injection phases. M. J. Rahman, M. Fawad, and N. H. Mondol [29] investigated the hydromechanical effect on geomechanical failure due to injection-induced stress and pore pressure changes in the prospective CO 2 storage site Smeaheia, offshore Norway. They found the pore volume and compressibility significantly influenced the mechanical rock failure and deformation.…”