Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

As described in the International Energy Agency (IEA) net-zero report, CO2 capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is the only technology capable of directly reducing CO2 level emitted from crucial sectors and balancing anthropogenic emissions. In addition, numerous studies have revealed that the most established method of CO2 mitigation is its storage in geological formations and depleted reservoirs. On the other hand, Cyclic Solvent Injection (CSI) has emerged as a promising technique capable of enhancing heavy oil recovery while removing a substantial amount of carbon dioxide and potentially other greenhouse gases. However, prior studies have focused primarily on heavy oil recovery, and the concept of trapping mechanisms during CSI has received little attention. To better utilize carbon dioxide for storage and EOR techniques during CSI, this method requires a profound understanding of the fundamental processes involved in order to move towards a sustainable future with low to potentially net-zero carbon emissions. In this regard, the ultimate goal of this research program is to develop a detailed workflow for optimized CSI process, taking into account efficient trapping mechanisms to maximize the amount of CO2 stored in geological formations and depleted reservoirs. In order to achieve this goal, this research study aims at providing comprehensive insights into the processes underlying CSI from CO2 storage and heavy oil recovery perspectives and particularly, to fill the knowledge gap in the context of CO2 mitigation of the CSI process. Experimental framework of this research program will uncover the pore-scale mechanisms governing CO2 geological trapping during heavy oil displacement and employing microfluidic systems to better comprehend the key parameters that contribute to the CO2 trapping and residual oil reduction mechanisms. Microfluidic systems provide robust test platforms that enable precise control of geometry and reservoir properties, as well as clear-cut visualization, allowing an in-depth understanding of multiphase flow, fluid/fluid interactions and saturation distribution at the pore level. Moreover, through combining the multiphase continuity equation, the kinetic process of bubble generation and, the convective-diffusion mass transfer equation, a mathematical model capable of capturing the dynamics of the multiphase flow within porous media and CO2 trapping process will be developed. Furthermore, focuses of this research program are on understanding how capillary and viscous forces interact to cause capillary and solubility trapping of CO2, which accounts for the majority of CO2 storage. This study provides an insight into optimization of CSI to mitigate CO2 emission and reduce its adverse environmental effects through geological storage. It also provides an opportunity to continuously and sustainably respond to the world's ever-growing energy demand while moving towards low carbon and potentially net-zero emission.