Effects of CO2 variable thermophysical properties and phase behavior on CO2 geological storage: A numerical case study

CO2 injection into the reservoir can effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The thermophysical parameters and phase behavior of CO2 are highly sensitive to pressure and temperature, resulting in drastic change in wellbore and reservoir, and thus affecting the CO2 storage effect. To study the impact of CO2 thermophysical properties and phase behavior on CO2 geological storage, we established a fully coupled 1D+3D wellbore coupled 3D reservoir model. Based on the analysis of non-isothermal flow characteristics, CO2 thermophysical properties and phase behavior, the influence of engineering parameters on the key factors of CO2 geological storage is discussed. The findings indicate that the density and thermal capacity of CO2 are the most important thermophysical parameters that affect wellhead pressure and bottomhole temperature respectively. The efficiency of CO2 storage is greatly influenced by the density and viscosity of CO2, more so than any other thermophysical parameters. CO2 phase behavior and permeability change increase CO2 seepage capacity by 3.50 % and 8.79 % respectively. Engineering parameters will affect the thermophysical properties and permeability of bottom-hole CO2, thereby affecting the injectability and storage efficiency of CO2. This research can offer suggestions and theoretical groundwork for the improved design of CO2 geological storage.