Thermal-Compositional Simulation of CO₂ Sequestration in Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoirs

Abstract

In this work, we present a thermal-compositional simulation framework for modelling of CO₂ sequestration in de- pleted hydrocarbon reservoirs. The parametrization technique utilizes thermodynamic state-dependent operators expressing the governing equations for the thermal-compositional system to solve the nonlinear problem. This approach provides flexibility in the assembly of the Jacobian, which allows straightforward implementation of advanced thermodynamics. Taking advantage of the flexibility of operator-based linearization (OBL), multiphase thermodynamic modelling at arbitrary state specifications is implemented. The use of a hybrid-EoS approach to combine equations of state for aqueous and hydrocarbon phases and advanced initialization schemes for multi- phase equilibrium calculations improves the accuracy and efficiency of the simulation. Careful phase identifica- tion is required for the simulation of multiphase flow, in particular with the potential occurrence of multiple liquid phases in CO₂-hydrocarbon mixtures. We apply the simulation framework to model a set of CO₂ injection cases at conditions typical for depleted hydrocarbon fields. We demonstrate that important thermophysical phenomena resulting from the interaction of CO₂ and impurities with reservoir fluids can be accurately captured using the OBL approach. The consistency of compositional simulation is supported by robust and efficient modelling of multiphase equilibria between brines, hydrocarbons and CO₂. The method is shown to be robust for capturing the thermal effects related to expansion, mixing and phase transitions. This work presents a highly flexible and efficient framework for modelling of multiphase flow and transport in CCUS-related subsurface applications. Ro- bust modelling of thermodynamic equilibria at arbitrary state specification captures the complex thermophysical interactions between CO₂ and reservoir fluids.