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.