Abandoned well CO2 leakage mitigation using biologically induced mineralization: current progress and future directions

• DOI: 10.1002/ghg.1331
• Publication Date: 2013-02-12T14:35:04Z
• Authors: Alfred B. Cunningham; Ellen Lauchnor; Joe Eldring; Richard Esposito; Andrew C. Mitchell; Robin Gerlach; Adrienne J. Phillips; Anozie Ebigbo; Lee H. Spangler
• Keywords: Leakage (economics); Spark plug

Abstract Methods of mitigating leakage or re‐plugging abandoned wells before exposure to CO 2 are high potential interest prevent injected for geologic carbon sequestration in depleted oil and gas reservoirs where large numbers often present. While resistant cements ultrafine being developed, technologies that can be delivered via low viscosity fluids could have significant advantages including the ability plug small aperture leaks such as fractures delamination interfaces. Additionally there is rock formation pore space around wellbore particularly problematic situations. We carrying out research on use microbial biofilms capable inducing precipitation crystalline calcium carbonate using process ureolysis. This method has reduce well bore permeability, coat cement –related corrosion, lower risk unwanted upward migration. In this spotlight, we highlight currently underway at Center Biofilm Engineering (CBE) Montana State University (MSU) area ureolytic biomineralization sealing reducing risk. program combines two novel core testing systems a 3‐dimensional simulation model investigate under both radial axial flow conditions temperatures pressures which permit exist supercritical state. combination modelling experimentation ultimately aimed developing verifying strategies successfully applied field scale capture geological storage (CCGS) projects. © 2013 Society Chemical Industry John Wiley & Sons, Ltd