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DOE OSTI2023

New Insights from Legacy Seismic Data regarding Basalt Elevations and Variability on the Hanford Site

Migration of groundwater contaminants in the Gable Gap area of the Hanford Site in southeastern Washington State is strongly influenced by the distribution and permeability of basalts that lie beneath an unconfined aquifer. Locally, folding and faulting of the Columbia River Basalt associated with the Yakima fold and thrust belt followed by erosion due to the Lake Missoula floods resulted in a complex basalt surface that represents either an impermeable lower boundary to the unconfined aquifer system or localized regions of increased permeability that potentially promote communication between the unconfined aquifer system and deeper, confined aquifer systems. Paleo-channels carved into the basalt by floodwaters are thought to provide preferential flow paths for groundwater contaminants. In 2011, a seismic landstreamer campaign was carried out to image the basalt surface and produced pre-stack depth migrated p-wave reflection images. The reflection images identified two large troughs that may represent paleo-channels and several areas of possible faulting. Here, the streamer data are re-analyzed using refraction travel-time and Rayleigh wave dispersion analyses to obtain images of compressional and shear wave velocities within the suprabasalt sediment sections and the upper basalt surface. The combined interpretation of reflection and seismic velocity images shows complexity in the basalt velocity and elevation, which varies by 50 m or more within the study area. These results, along with other ongoing geophysical investigations, will be used to inform the site geologic model and potentially guide placement of future boreholes needed to quantify vertical flow between the confined and unconfined aquifers.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2014

Gulf of Mexico miocene CO₂ site characterization mega transect

This project characterized the Miocene-age sub-seafloor stratigraphy in the near-offshore portion of the Gulf of Mexico adjacent to the Texas coast. The large number of industrial sources of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in coastal counties and the high density of onshore urbanization and environmentally sensitive areas make this offshore region extremely attractive for long-term storage of carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources (CCS). The study leverages dense existing geologic data from decades of hydrocarbon exploration in and around the study area to characterize the regional geology for suitability and storage capacity. Primary products of the study include: regional static storage capacity estimates, sequestration “leads” and prospects with associated dynamic capacity estimates, experimental studies of CO₂-brine-rock interaction, best practices for site characterization, a large-format ‘Atlas’ of sequestration for the study area, and characterization of potential fluid migration pathways for reducing storage risks utilizing novel high-resolution 3D (HR3D) seismic surveys. In addition, three subcontracted studies address source-to-sink matching optimization, offshore well bore management and environmental aspects. The various geologic data and interpretations are integrated and summarized in a series of cross-sections and maps, which represent a primary resource for any near-term commercial deployment of CCS in the area. The regional study characterized and mapped important geologic features (e.g., Clemente-Tomas fault zone, the regionally extensive Marginulina A and Amphistegina B confining systems, etc.) that provided an important context for regional static capacity estimates and specific sequestration prospects of the study. A static capacity estimate of the majority of the Study area (14,467 mi 2 ) was estimated at 86 metric Gigatonnes. While local capacity estimates are likely to be lower due to reservoir-scale characteristics, the offshore Miocene interval is a storage resource of National interest for providing CO₂ storage as an atmospheric emissions abatement strategy. The natural petroleum system was used as an analog to infer seal quality and predict possible migration pathways of fluids in an engineered system of anthropogenic CO₂ injection and storage. The regional structural features (e.g., Clemente-Tomas fault zone) that exert primary control on the trapping and distribution of Miocene hydrocarbons are expected to perform similarly for CCS. Industrial-scale CCS will require storage capacity utilizing well-documented Miocene hydrocarbon (dominantly depleted gas) fields and their larger structural closures, as well as barren (unproductive, brine-filled) closures. No assessment was made of potential for CO₂ utilization for enhanced oil and gas recovery. The use of 3D numerical fluid flow simulations have been used in the study to greatly assist in characterizing the potential storage capacity of a specific reservoir. Due to the complexity of geologic systems (stratigraphic heterogeneity) and inherent limitations on producing a 3D geologic model, these simulations are typically simplified scenarios that explore the influence of model property variability (sensitivity study). A specific site offshore San Luis Pass (southern Galveston Island) was undertaken successfully, indicating stacked storage potential. Downscaling regional capacity estimates to the local scale (and the inverse) has proven challenging, and remains an outstanding gap in capacity assessments. In order to characterize regional seal performance and identify potential brine and CO₂ leakage pathways, results from three high-resolution 3D (HR3D) seismic datasets acquired by the study using novel HR3D (P-Cable) acquisition system showed steady and significant improvements in data quality because of improved acquisition and processing technique. Finely detailed faults and stratigraphy in the shallowest 1000 milliseconds (~800 m) of data allowed for the identification and mapping of unconformable surfaces including what is probably a surface associated with the last Pleistocene glacial lowstand. The identification of a previously unrecognized (in commercial seismic data) gas chimney that was clearly defined in the 2013 HR3D survey, indicates that HR3D surveys may be useful as both a characterization tool for the overburden of a potential carbon sequestration site and as an additional monitoring tool for future engineered injection sites. Geochemical modeling indicated that injection of CO₂ would result in minor dissolution of calcite, K-feldspar and albite. In addition, modeling of typical brines in Miocene age rocks indicate that approximately 5% of injection capacity would result from CO₂ dissolution into the brine. After extensive searches, no rock samples of the Marginulina A and Amphistegina B seals (“caprocks”) were obtained, but analyses of available core samples of other Miocene age mudrocks (seals or caprocks) indicate that they have sealing ability sufficient for potential CO 2 storage in underlying sandstone units.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

DOE OSTI2020

Potential Formation Damage: An Integrated Reservoir Characterization Study of the Naturally Fractured Carbonate Middle Duperow Formation at the Kevin Dome, Montana

In this study, we integrate geologic and engineering data of a naturally fractured carbonate reservoir at the Kevin Dome, Montana. Well test data are correlated with core description, geochemical and lithology study to determine the flow behavior and communication within the injection test interval and to the surrounding area. Based on a dual-continuum geologic model, numerical brine injection simulations are carried out to validate the interpretation results from our well test analytical models and forecast the probability of CO 2 injection success using current reservoir properties. As a result, our well test analytical models as well as lithology/core description suggest that fluid flow may be mainly restricted to the injection interval and the assumption of radial (horizontal) flow may be appropriate. The well test models also indicate that there is potentially formation damage with a positive skin factor although prior to brine injection well tests, well stimulation through acid treatment was performed. Our numerical simulation results appear to confirm this formation damage by showing additional pressure buildup in the injection data during later test periods. To explain this, acid may have dissolved dolomite then dolomite or calcite may have been formed again further into the matrix/fracture system. Another possible explanation is mechanical clogging of the fractures due to acid dissolving dolomite and dislodging fine grains. Our work also predicts that if no additional well stimulation is performed, the project will have a lower probability of successfully injecting 1 million tons of CO 2 into the Middle Duperow formation over 4 years.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2022

The Geology of The Mt. Simon Sandstone Storage Complex at the Wabash #1 Well, Vigo Co., Indiana (Subtask 7.2, Technical Report)

The Wabash CarbonSAFE project drilled the Wabash #1 stratigraphic test well (ID# 168045) at the Wabash Valley Resources (WVR) IGCC facility in Vigo County, Indiana, to characterize and evaluate the basal Cambrian Mt. Simon Sandstone for commercial-scale CO 2 storage near the site. This report presents an extensive geologic characterization of the Mt. Simon storage complex and relevant data collected from the Wabash #1 well, such as lithologic data collected from cuttings and core, geophysical logging, geomechanical analysis of core samples, and well testing and fluid sampling within the Mt. Simon Sandstone. The Mt. Simon storage complex comprises two major sections: the Mt. Simon Sandstone as the potential reservoir and the overlying Eau Claire Formation as its primary seal. Within the report, an extensive depositional, sedimentological, and geochronologic characterization of the Mt. Simon is included with supportive chapters on the regional geology and the geophysical, petrophysical, and petrologic data collected during the project. An overview of 2D seismic reflection data collected from and around the test well is presented. Also presented are chapters on the characterization of the sealing Eau Claire Formation, including a chapter on the capacity of the primary and secondary seals to the Mt. Simon as well as a chapter on geomechanical testing results of the Eau Claire Formation and Mt. Simon Sandstone. Some of the information discussed in this report was used in the development of static and dynamic geologic models of the Mt. Simon Sandstone storage complex. The static and dynamic modeling of CO 2 injection in the Mt. Simon Sandstone are discussed in a separate report (Dessenberger et al., 2022) under the Wabash CarbonSAFE project.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

DOE OSTI2022

Wabash CarbonSAFE. Geologic Analysis of the Potosi Dolomite Reservoir Interval and Potential Confining Units, at the Wabash #1 Well, Vigo Co., Indiana, Subtask 7.2, Technical Report

The Wabash CarbonSAFE project drilled the Wabash #1 stratigraphic test well (ID# 168045) at the Wabash Valley Resources (WVR) IGCC facility in Vigo County, Indiana, to evaluate the feasibility of commercial-scale CO 2 storage near the site. The Mt. Simon Sandstone was the initial target for storage evaluation and was found to have generally poor reservoir qualities in the Wabash #1 well. Focus was then placed on the secondary target, the Potosi Dolomite. For storage and containment evaluation an extensive suite of geophysical logs was collected throughout the borehole, and whole cores were obtained from the Mt. Simon Sandstone, Eau Claire Formation, and Maquoketa Group. The Maquoketa Group is identified as a regionally extensive secondary sealing interval above the Mt. Simon Sandstone and as a primary seal for the Potosi Dolomite storage complex. Due to concerns over potential lost circulation zones in the Potosi Dolomite during drilling, no core samples or Formation Micro Imager (FMI) logs were acquired in the Potosi Dolomite. However, cased hole well testing was performed over a 20 feet (6 m) interval within the Potosi Dolomite during which a fluid swab sample was obtained. Approximately 35 miles of 2D seismic information was acquired in the project area near Wabash #1 to aid in reservoir and caprock characterization. The highly porous and permeable zones in the Potosi Dolomite and lower Oneota Dolomite observed within the Wabash #1 well are, for the purpose of this report, considered the same reservoir package and referred to as the Potosi reservoir interval. This report presents a regional depositional context for the Potosi reservoir interval, the overlying confining zones in the Knox Group, and Maquoketa Group primary seal. This context is developed through detailed information obtained from the Wabash #1 well such as lithologic data collected from cuttings and core, geophysical logging, geomechanical analysis of core samples, and well testing and fluid sampling within the Potosi reservoir interval. Information discussed in this report was compiled as a basis for the development of static and dynamic geologic models of the Potosi Dolomite storage complex. The static and dynamic modeling of CO 2 injection in the Potosi reservoir interval are discussed in a separate report (Dessenberger et al., 2022) under the Wabash CarbonSAFE project.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

DOE OSTI2022

Well-Controlled Hydro-thermo-chemical Stimulation of a Coso Geothermal Well to Enhance Productivity

The goal of this project was to demonstrate controlled fracturing and permeability increase to enhance resource production and power generation at Coso. It was planned to stimulate at least two intervals in the Well 73-18RD with zonal isolation using advanced high-temperature packer technology. The anticipation was that a hydraulic fracture would form in one zone and in the second zone natural fractures would reopen, shear and extend, thereby increasing fluid communication in the field. In both cases, the intent was to carefully design the stimulation to take advantage of the relative roles of hydraulic pressure, thermal stress and chemical (“hydro-thermo-chemical”) dissolution. The project had planned to use the Welltec Annular Barrier (WAB) system developed as part of another DOE-funded project which was on schedule to be ready for field deployment. If successful, the Coso Operating Company would incorporate this approach into their ongoing well maintenance in other wells increasing the total MWs produced. The project had multiple tasks and the objective of Task 1 was to develop a workover plan, to build a geologic model, to design a stimulation program, and to work with the operating and services companies to develop a detailed budget and obtain the necessary permits and sundry notices. In Phase 2 the workover plan would be implemented, the designed stimulation would be carried out, and subsequently the well would logged and tested to measure the impact of stimulation. Per sponsor request, a Pre-Task 1 activity with a Go/No Go decision point was scheduled in Task 1.

02 PETROLEUM↗

DOE OSTI2024

Carbonated Brine Injection Pilot Plan

This is a three-year effort to develop a plan for carbonated brine injection, with an end goal of a path for pilot scale implementation. Carbonated brine injection (CBI) strategy was planned for a potential pilot site through simulation study. Methods include geology model, reservoir modeling, wellbore materials compatibility and corrosion modeling, reactive transport modeling.

Xiong, Wei↗

DOE OSTI2022

Introduction to Evolve Central Appalachia

The Evolve-CAPP project is developing and implementing strategies to enable the Central Appalachian basin to realize its full economic potential for producing high-value, non-fuel, carbon-ore (CO) products, rare earth elements (REE), and critical minerals (CM). The Basinal Assessment of CORE-CM Resources is a state-of-the-art geological model and comprehensive database that will be used to identify, locate, and quantify in-situ resources in the basin. Restrictive aspects of resource recovery, such as ownership and legal restrictions, are being considered in estimating recoverable resources. A gap analysis of missing or unavailable data that could not be fully integrated in the initial assessment due to budget, access, or other constraints during the assessment effort is planned. A characterization and data acquisition plan to fully characterize the basin’s CORE-CM potential will address gaps in data. The plan will be developed with input from project team members and relevant stakeholders, including land and mineral holding companies and coal operators, who maintain sampling programs as part of their normal operations.

Bishop, Richard↗

DOE OSTI2022

Occurrences of REE and CM in volcanic ash beds associated with coals in SW Wyoming & NW Colorado

Rare earth elements (REEs) and critical minerals (CMs) are vital components in the nation’s economy, national security, and the further strengthening of our renewable energy capabilities and infrastructure. Recent work has revealed more insight into previously unknown modes of occurrence for REEs, particularly in coal seams and adjacent noncoal sediments, but many data gaps persist. Temporal relationships between coal beds and adjacent tonstiens, ash beds, or other partings are widely recognized but not fully understood. Variations in REE concentration and their direct or indirect association with coal beds are not predictable. This study presents findings from examining lateral and potentially stratigraphic variation of REE and CM occurrences in coals of late Cretaceous and Paleocene age. In this study we collected and examined samples of differing ages both core and coal mine exposures for qualitative x-ray fluorescence (XRF), and multi-element geochemistry. Preliminary XRF data indicates variable levels of light REEs in a core from the Yampa coalfield of Moffat County in northwest Colorado. An absence of similar enrichments in slightly older coals in the Adaville Formation of the Fold and Thrust belt in southwest Wyoming is described from XRF and ICP-MS evaluation. Previous work has shown an association with the Yampa Bed and REE enrichment in coals of the Upper Cretaceous Williams Fork Formation. While not common and widespread, this association suggests that leaching or reworking of the ash bed could lead to elevated REEs in the adjacent coal. We investigate differences between the two data occurringas geologic compositions and post-depositional histories. In-depth petrography and precise geochemistry should reveal data that at the very least will help improve some aspects of the geologic models of coal basins and the effect of an influx of non-coal sediments.

REE, CM, ash, volcanic ash, coal↗

DOE OSTI2021

North Dakota CarbonSAFE Baseline Microgravity Survey, Lessons Learned

Conference presentation at American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting, New Orleans, LA and virtual, December 13–17, 2021. The team conducted a baseline microgravity survey near Minnkota Power Cooperative’s Milton R. Young power station, south of Center, North Dakota, as a part of the North Dakota CarbonSAFE (Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise) geophysical activities. The goal of this survey was to assess whether microgravity would be an appropriate technique to monitor CO 2 stored at this site.