Numerical simulation of multiphase flows of CO2 storage in saline aquifers in Daqingzijing oilfield, China

In this article, according to in situ geological and geophysical data archived of Daqingzijing oilfield, a 3D multiphase flow model based on hydrodynamic trapping mechanism is set up, with the phase interface mechanism considered. A high-order CE/SE (space–time conservation element and solution element) method coupled with (HPLS) Hybrid level-set method is updated to simulate migration and build-up of CO2 in saline aquifers for short-term time scales. Results revealed that both the lateral variation of stratigraphic thickness and the heterogeneity of permeability control migration and accumulation of CO2 plume. After 20 years of injection, CO2 front propagates 8–9 km away from injection wells. The saline aquifer formation with high permeability is the dominant channel for CO2 migration. The present work provides a novel approach for simulation of hydrodynamic trapping mechanism for CO2 geological storage in saline aquifers of Songliao Basin of China, which could be a suitable location for a CO2 storage demonstration project.