Work

Coupling Effects of Surfactant-Induced Interfacial Tension Reduction and Wettability Alteration in CO2 Storage

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide This study investigated the coupled effects of surfactant-induced interfacial tension (IFT) reduction and wettability alteration on reducing residual brine saturation and its implications for CO 2 storage. Two surfactant types were compared: (i) a CO 2 -soluble surfactant (C-ss; isotridecyl ethoxylates TDA-11) that reduces the IFT between CO 2 and the resident brine under constant wettability and (ii) a brine-soluble surfactant (B-ss; Surfonic POA-25R2) that induces the coupled effects of IFT reduction and rock wettability alteration. The difference in the initial and maximum capillary factors was assumed to represent the surfactant-modified effects of IFT and wettability alteration at the pore level. The relative permeability and capillary pressure were modulated in the reservoir simulation through interpolation between the lower (nonsurfactant) and higher (surfactant) capillary factors, thereby representing surfactant effects at the field scale. Subsequently, a reservoir simulation was conducted using the MATLAB Reservoir Simulation Toolbox (MRSTaCO 2 lab) to evaluate brine and CO 2 saturation variations. C-ss addition resulted in a better surfactant distribution than B-ss, enhancing CO 2 storage. Surfactant injection reduced the residual brine saturation near the injection well, increased the maximum CO 2 saturation, and improved the injectivity by reducing the bottom-hole pressure (BHP). In addition, we introduced the pore space utilization factor to evaluate the CO 2 storage variation. The surfactant injection increased the level of CO 2 storage by optimizing pore space utilization and maximizing the storage efficiency; however, it reduced the level of CO 2 residual trapping, potentially affecting the level of CO 2 storage security. Typically, surfactant contact with the reservoir caprock poses a critical challenge to caprock integrity, such as triggering capillary leakage; therefore, surfactant injection should be performed below the reservoir caprock to ensure its integrity.

Source: Energy & Fuels

DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.4c03431

Authors: Joseph Iranzi, Yong-Chan Park, Hanam Son

Institutions: University of Rwanda, Pukyong National University, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources

Language: English

Topic: CO2 Sequestration and Geologic Interactions

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500