THE IEA WEYBURN CO₂ MONITORING AND STORAGE PROJECT

Abstract

The IEA Weyburn CO₂ Monitoring and Storage Project has analysed the effects of a miscible CO₂ flood into a carbonate reservoir rock at an onshore Canadian oilfield. Anthropogenic CO₂ is being injected as part of an enhanced oil recovery operation. The European research was aimed at analysing longterm migration pathways of CO₂ and the effects of CO₂ on the hydrochemical and mineralogical properties of the reservoir rock. The long term safety and performance of CO₂ storage was assessed by the construction of a Features, Events and Processes (FEP) database which provides a comprehensive knowledge base for the geological storage of CO₂. The pre-CO₂ injection hydrogeological, hydrochemical and petrographical conditions in the reservoir were investigated in order to recognise changes caused by the CO₂ flood and to assess the fate of the CO₂. The Mississippian aquifer has a salinity gradient in the Weyburn area, where flows are oriented SW-NE.