Integrated CO2 Modeling Studies to Assess CO2 Sequestration Prospect in a Depleted Carbonate Gas Reservoir, Malaysia
Authors: A. Jalil Mohd Azran , M. Amin Sharidah , M. Ali Siti Syareena 
Published: December 2021

This paper presented an integrated CO2 injection and sequestration modelling study performed on a depleted carbonate gas reservoir, which has been identified as one of potential CO2 sequestration site candidate in conjunction with nearby high CO2 gas fields development and commercialization effort to monetize the fields. 3D compositional modelling, geomechanical and geochemical assessment were conducted to strategize optimum subsurface CO2 injection and sequestration development concept for project execution.

Available history matched black oil simulation model was converted into compositional model. Sensitivity analyses on optimum injection rate, number and types of injectors, solubility of CO2 in water, injection locations and impact of hysteresis to plume distribution were investigated. Different types of CO2 trapping mechanisms including hydrodynamic, residual/capillary, solubility and mineral trapping were studied in detailed. Coupled modelling study was performed on base case scenario to assess geomechnical and geochemical risks associated with CO2 injection and sequestration process before-, during- and post- CO2 injection operation to provide assurance for a safe and long-term CO2 sequestration in the field.

Available history matched black oil model was successfully converted into compositional model, in which CO2 is treated and can be tracked as a separate component in the reservoir throughout the production and injection processes. Integrating all the results obtained from sensitivities analyses, the proposed optimum subsurface CO2 injection and sequestration development concept for the field is to inject up to 400 MMscf/D of CO2 rate via four injectors. CO2 injection rate is forecasted to sustain more than 3 years from injection start date before declining with time. In terms of CO2 storage capacity, constraining injection pressure up to initial reservoir pressure, maximum CO2 storage capacity is estimated ~65 Million tonnes. Nevertheless, considering maximum allowable CO2 injection pressure estimated from coupled modelling study and operational safety factor, the field is capable to accommodate a total of ~77 Million tonnes of CO2, whereby 73% of total CO2 injected will exists in mobile phase and trapped underneath caprock whilst the other 24% and 3% will be trapped as residual/capillary and dissolved in water respectively. Changes of minerals and porosity were observed from 3D geochemical modelling, however, changes are negligible due to the fact that geochemical reaction is a very slow process.

This paper highlights and shares simulation results obtained from CO2 injection and sequestration studies performed on 3D compositional model to generate an optimum subsurface CO2 injection and sequestration development concept for project execution in future. Integration with geomechanical and geochemical modelling studies are crucial to assess site's capability to accommodate CO2 within the geological formation and provide assurance for a safe and long-term CO2 sequestration.