Stochastic 1-D Reactive Transport Simulations To Assess Silica and Carbonate Phases During the $co_2$ Reinjection Process in Metasediments

Abstract

One proposed method to mitigate carbon emission is to mineralize the $CO_2$ in deep geothermal reservoirs while mixing the coproduced CO2 with the effluent fluid for reinjection. The injection fluid temperature fluctuates due to the mixing process between CO2-charged water and the effluent fluid, and compressor interruptions change the thermodynamic conditions that influence the fluid- rock interaction in the reservoir. Mineral dissolution or precipitations are associated with changes in permeability and porosity that affect the flow and, eventually, the lifespan of the reservoir. A combined stochastic–reactive transport simulation approach is useful for inspection purposes. Moreover, the stochastic algorithm validates the deterministic reactive transport simulation and demonstrates the time evolution of a chemically reacting system in the reservoir. This study examines a range of injection temperatures between 80 °C and 120 °C to evaluate silica and calcite precipitation along a flow path. One-dimensional (1-D) reactive transport and compartment- based stochastic reaction-diffusion-advection Gillespie algorithms are carried out. The 1-D model represents a reservoir feed zone of around 2300 m. Two common metasediment rock types are evaluated for inspection. The first one is the muscovite schist, which has approximately 60% quartz, and the second is the quartz schist, consisting of roughly 90% quartz. The stochastic method can be applied more effectively if the chemical system is completely defined with proper reaction rates as a function of temperature. The mixing ratio of the coproduced $CO_2$ over the effluent fluid is around 0.0028. Simulation results show that $CO_2$ is partially sequestrated as calcite within the first 10 m of the entrance to the reservoir and plugs the pores completely in the muscovite schist scenario. Chalcedony and α-cristobalite precipitate as secondary minerals evenly along the flow path. $CO_2$ injection into a quartz schist layer is more appropriate for geochemical interactions below 120 °C.