Estimating the Importance of Nano-Silica Sealing Parameters for Remediating Leaks in CO2 Geological Storage

Abstract

In carbon capture and sequestration methods, the possibility of carbon dioxide leaking via fissures formed in the geological storage is a major worry. A major risk is anticipated while fixing a micro-annuli leakage in CO2 storage with smaller apertures. There is a need for a low-viscosity substance that can offer a strong, resilient seal. Sealing these leaks and stopping CO2 migration might be possible with a novel use of nano silica (NS) gel. The suitability of nano silica gel for sealing cement fractures was investigated in this work through laboratory testing. While examining the rheological properties of nano silica gels, it was found that the concentration of nano silica rose as the gel strength and yield point increased. Furthermore, it was discovered that when the concentration of nano silica rises, so do the sealing and leakage pressures, which are the pressures prior to and following CO2 breach, respectively. With a typical 15% nano silica concentration in gel, a sealing pressure gradient of 30 psi/in and a leakage pressure gradient of 3 psi/in at a leaking rate of 0.01 liter/min were found. The pressure performance increases from the starting pressure of 0 psi to the regeneration sealing pressure of 600 psi and the corresponding leakage pressure of 350 psi at 21% nano silica concentration when the test is repeated after a day without injection operation. This study offers a cutting-edge plan for fixing leaks in the geological storage of CO2 and cutting down on idle time while the sequestration process is underway.