Impact of CO₂ hydrates on injectivity during CO₂ storage in depleted gas fields

Abstract

Carbon dioxide capture and storage in subsurface geological formations is a potential solution to limit anthropogenic CO₂ emissions and combat global warming. Depleted gas fields offer significant CO₂ storage volumes; however, injection of CO₂ into these reservoirs poses some potential challenges for the injectivity, containment and well/facility integrity due to low temperatures caused by isenthalpic expansion of CO₂. A key injectivity risk is due to possible formation of hydrates at the low expected temperatures. This study aims to address main causes of CO₂ hydrate formation and its impact on permeability of porous media. This review highlights the current state of knowledge in the literature while emphasizing the need to bridge existing gaps in derisking CO₂ injection into (depleted) low-pressure gas reservoirs. In summary, according to the existing literature, the potential for hydrate formation is assessed to be credible. Current industry solutions exist to manage this risk; however, they are costly and energy intensive. Future research will be needed to provide capabilities to manage this risk more efficiently.