PROTECT

Prediction of deformation to ensure carbon traps – Geomechanical modeling of a CO2 storage site in Australia

For the safe storage of CO2 in the subsurface, the integrity of the reservoir must be ensured. Geomechanical models help to determine the maximum storage volume and maximum storage pressures.

Modellierung der Reaktivierung von Störungen durch Porendruckerhöhung.

Facts about the project

PhD project: Dr. Chiara M. Aruffo +++ Duration: 01.03.2012 – 28.02.2015 +++ Project funding: BMBF Projektträger Jülich

The PROTECT project is a German-Australian research project to develop a seismo-mechanical workflow across different scales. The motivation is to improve the characterisation of subsurface reservoirs for the permanent storage of CO2. In order to test the practical value of different modelling techniques, the CO2CRC Otway project, a carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) demonstration study in South East Australia, was selected as case study.

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3D model of the CO2CRC Otway reservoir.
3D model of the CO2CRC Otway reservoir.

A coupled hydromechanical model was created for the Otway reservoir. The subsurface geometry with multiple faults and lithostratigraphic horizons was interpreted using 3D seismic. This structural model was transformed into a 3D geomechanical model extending to the ground surface and parameterised as far as possible with specific material parameters for the individual layers and faults. A hydraulic model was also created for the reservoir area. From the coupling of the two modelling approaches, it was possible to determine the critical stress state for the Otway reservoir that would lead to reactivation of the faults. This also determines the maximum reservoir pressure and, thus, the maximum reservoir volume for safe operation of the reservoir.

  • Ziesch, J., Aruffo, C. M., Tanner, D. C., Beilecke, T., Dance, T., Henk, A., Weber, B., Tenthorey, E., Lippmann, A. and Krawczyk, C. M., 2017, Geological structure and kinematics of normal faults in the Otway Basin, Australia, based on quantitative analysis of 3-D seismic reflection data. Basin Research, 29: 129–148. doi:10.1111/bre.12146.
  • Krawczyk, C.M., Henk, A., Tanner, D.C., Trappe, H., Ziesch, J., Beilecke, T., Aruffo, C.M., Weber, B., Lippmann, A., Görke, U.-J., Bilke, L. & Kolditz, O., 2015. Seismic and sub-seismic deformation prediction in the context of geological carbon trapping and storage. Advanced Technologies in Earth Sciences, Springer, ISBN 978-3-319-13929-6; pp. 97-113.
  • Aruffo, C.M., Rodriguez Herrera, A., Tenthorey, E., Krzikalla, F., Minton, J., & Henk, A., 2014. Geomechanical Modelling to Assess Fault Integrity at the CO2CRC Otway Project, Australia. – Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 61, 987-1000.
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