Micro CT and Experimental Study of Carbonate Precipitation from CO2 and Produced Water Co-Injection into Sandstone

Carbon dioxide geological storage involves injecting captured CO2 streams into a suitable reservoir. Subsequent mineral trapping of the CO2 as carbonate minerals is one of the most secure forms of trapping. Injection of CO2 dissolved in water or co-injection of CO2 with water may enhance trapping mechanisms. Produced waters are already re-injected into reservoirs worldwide, and their co-injection with CO2 could enhance mineral trapping in low reactivity rock by providing a source of cations. Sandstone drill core from a reservoir proposed for CO2 storage was experimentally reacted with supercritical CO2 and a synthetic produced water. Micro computed tomography (CT), QEMSCAN, and SEM were performed before and after the reaction. The sandstone sample was predominantly quartz with minor illite/muscovite and kaolinite. The sandstone sub-plug micro-CT porosity was 11.1% and 11.4% after the reaction. Dissolved Ca, Mg, and Sr decreased during the reaction. After the reaction with CO2 and synthetic produced water, precipitation of crystalline carbonate minerals calcite and dolomite was observed in the pore space and on the rock surface. In addition, the movement of pore filling and bridging clays, as well as grains was observed. Co-injection of CO2 with produced waters into suitable reservoirs has the potential to encourage CO2 mineral trapping.