ONGOING Research
EPFLRock4CCS: Quantifying chEmo-hydromechanical Properties and FaiLure mechanics of reservoir ROCKs for Carbon Capture and Sequestration
Geological sequestration of CO2 involves high pressure injection of liquids deep underground in porous reservoirs covered by layers of impermeable cap rock. Such operations may induce stress and chemical perturbations and even cause irreversible deformation in and around injection formations. Creation of new fractures or the reactivation of existing faults may occur. Collapses leading to pores closure and deterioration in reservoir productivity may also occur. Here, via a laboratory pilot study, mimicking injection into a reservoir on a miniature scale, we will characterize, through a multi-scale approach, the effect of pressurized water and weak acids on yield and ultimate strengths of porous rocks.
This project supports a range of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate Action, Sustainable Cities, and Responsible Production and Consumption. This project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship and the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. The project bridges collaborations between EPFL and Ecole Normale Superieure-Paris, Ecole des Ponts, and the Johns Hopkins University bringing together expertise in geomechanics, geosciences, and geotechnology.
Geological sequestration of CO2 involves high pressure injection of liquids deep underground in porous reservoirs covered by layers of impermeable cap rock. Such operations may induce stress and chemical perturbations and even cause irreversible deformation in and around injection formations. Creation of new fractures or the reactivation of existing faults may occur. Collapses leading to pores closure and deterioration in reservoir productivity may also occur. Here, via a laboratory pilot study, mimicking injection into a reservoir on a miniature scale, we will characterize, through a multi-scale approach, the effect of pressurized water and weak acids on yield and ultimate strengths of porous rocks.
This project supports a range of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate Action, Sustainable Cities, and Responsible Production and Consumption. This project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship and the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. The project bridges collaborations between EPFL and Ecole Normale Superieure-Paris, Ecole des Ponts, and the Johns Hopkins University bringing together expertise in geomechanics, geosciences, and geotechnology.
