CO₂ Sequestration

By absorbing and storing carbon dioxide in geological formations like saline aquifers, CO₂ sequestration serves as a crucial approach to mitigating climate change. These formations can securely store large volumes of CO₂, preventing emissions from entering the atmosphere. However, challenges such as the low viscosity of CO₂ under supercritical conditions, the necessity for more accurate modeling of processes like diffusion, and risks of leakage and rapid spreading at the formation's top present significant obstacles. Our research group addresses these issues by developing cutting-edge strategies, advanced modeling techniques, and innovative imaging approaches to enhance CO₂ storage efficiency. 

Our research group actively contributes to advancing CO₂ sequestration through experimental and simulation-based approaches. We have conducted spatiotemporal X-ray imaging studies to visualize the behaviour of neat and viscosified CO₂ during brine displacement in heterogeneous porous media, revealing mechanisms like crossflow and mobility control. Additionally, we investigate trapping efficiency in layered formations and saline aquifers, employing innovative experimental setups and computational methods to simulate processes such as gravity override, diffusion, and capillary trapping. Our ongoing projects include assessing the use of CO₂ as a working fluid in geothermal loops and exploring its dual role in energy extraction and storage enhancement. Also modeling different CO₂ trapping mechanisms, including solubility, structural, and mineral trapping, under varied reservoir conditions is another topic under investigation. 

Extensive work is carried out on the possibilities of safe storage of CO₂ in oil and gas reservoirs and the utilization of CO₂ as a solvent in Cyclic Solvent Injection processes both in Heavy Oil and in Tight reservoirs. 

Our research outcomes aim to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of CO₂ sequestration in geological formations. Through advanced imaging, modeling, and experimental validation, we are improving storage mechanisms and evaluating innovative applications like using CO₂ in geothermal loops for energy recovery. Future plans include optimizing trapping mechanisms, refining models for long-term CO₂ behavior, and further integrating sequestration with energy technologies to address climate change and energy demands.