Projects per year
Abstract
Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a novel method for controlling permeability in the subsurface with potential for sealing or reducing leakage from subsurface engineering works such as carbon sequestration reservoirs. The purpose of this research was to measure, at core scale, the change in reservoir permeability and capillary pressure due to MICP during seal formation, then to monitor the integrity of the seal when exposed to acidic groundwater capable of causing dissolution. The experiment was carried out with a Berea sandstone core mounted in a high pressure core holder within a medical X-ray CT scanner.
Multiple full volume CT scans gave spatially resolved maps of the changing porosity and saturation states throughout the experiment. Porosity and permeability decreased with MICP whilst capillary pressure was increased. Dissolution restored much of the original porosity, but not permeability nor capillary pressure. This lead to the conclusion that injection pathways were coupled with carbonate precipitation hence preferential flow paths sealed first and transport of the dissolution fluid was limited. Provided a high enough reduction in permeability can be achieved over a substantial volume, MICP may prove to be a durable bio-grout, even in acidic environments such as a carbon sequestration reservoir.
Multiple full volume CT scans gave spatially resolved maps of the changing porosity and saturation states throughout the experiment. Porosity and permeability decreased with MICP whilst capillary pressure was increased. Dissolution restored much of the original porosity, but not permeability nor capillary pressure. This lead to the conclusion that injection pathways were coupled with carbonate precipitation hence preferential flow paths sealed first and transport of the dissolution fluid was limited. Provided a high enough reduction in permeability can be achieved over a substantial volume, MICP may prove to be a durable bio-grout, even in acidic environments such as a carbon sequestration reservoir.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 152-162 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control |
Volume | 64 |
Early online date | 4 Aug 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 30 Sept 2017 |
Keywords
- microbially induced calcite precipitation
- Sporosarcina pasteurii
- carbon capture and storage (CCS)
- well sealing
- multiphase flow
- calcite precipitation
- calcite dissolution
- porous media
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Dive into the research topics of 'X-ray CT and multiphase flow characterization of a 'bio-grouted' sandstone core: the effect of dissolution on seal longevity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Profiles
Projects
- 1 Finished
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A new generation of self-healing detectable grouts (EPSRC Big Pitch)
Lunn, R. (Principal Investigator)
EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council)
1/12/14 → 30/11/16
Project: Research
Datasets
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Data for: "X-ray CT and multiphase flow characterization of a ‘bio-grouted’ sandstone core: the effect of dissolution on seal longevity"
Minto, J. (Creator), University of Strathclyde, 26 Sept 2017
DOI: 10.15129/f96237a8-a64f-4afd-9069-7dc598bf3c0f
Dataset
Equipment
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Nikon XCT 320 - Xray PC Microtomography
Civil And Environmental EngineeringFacility/equipment: Equipment
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Micro-continuum modelling of injection strategies for microbially induced carbonate precipitation
Minto, J. M., El Mountassir, G. & Lunn, R. J., 25 Jun 2019, E3S Web of Conferences: 7th International Symposium on Deformation Characteristics of Geomaterials (IS-Glasgow 2019) . Tarantino, A. & Ibraim, E. (eds.). [Bloomsbury]: EDP Sciences, Vol. 92. 5 p. 11019Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution book
Open AccessFile4 Citations (Scopus)37 Downloads (Pure) -
Rock fracture grouting with microbially induced carbonate precipitation
Minto, J. M., MacLachlan, E., El Mountassir, G. & Lunn, R. J., 20 Dec 2016, In: Water Resources Research. 52, 11, p. 8827-8844 18 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile106 Citations (Scopus)207 Downloads (Pure)