Microbially induced calcite precipitation for sealing anhydrite fractures with gouges

Research output: Contribution to conferenceProceedingpeer-review

76 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Caprock formation forms a natural barrier for geological storage of CO2, nuclear wastes, and hydrocarbon resources. Fault and natural/artificial fractures that crosscut the storage systems represent potential leakage pathways. Sealing of caprock fractures/faults is of great importance to ensure its long-term sealing integrity. In this study, we conduct microbial-induced-calcite-precipitation (MICP) experiments for sealing anhydrite fractures (artificially cut) with gouges. MICP involves a bio-chemical reaction for calcite precipitation using ureolytic microorganism - Sporosarcina pasteurii. The precipitated calcite, which occurs initially from finer pores to larger pores, induces a 10.7% decrease of porosity inside the fracture after the 1st 12 cycles of MICP treatment. After 18-21 cycles of MICP treatment, the fracture permeability of the two fractured core samples effectively decreases by 2-3 orders of magnitude. Our study also indicates that the MICP sealing efficiency could be improved by lowering the injection rate, optimizing fluid chemistry for a better bacteria retention inside the fracture. The study provides a baseline for using MICP technique to seal anhydrite fractures.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Jun 2022
Event56th US Rock mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium: ARMA - New Mexico/Online, US
Duration: 26 Jun 202229 Jun 2022

Conference

Conference56th US Rock mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium
CityUS
Period26/06/2229/06/22

Keywords

  • calcite precipitation
  • anhydrite fractures
  • gouges
  • microbial-induced-calcite-precipitation (MICP)
  • sealing

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Microbially induced calcite precipitation for sealing anhydrite fractures with gouges'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this