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DOE OSTI2020

Offshore CO2 Saline Storage Calculator

The Offshore CO2 Saline Storage Calculator is a data-driven tool that applies the adapted DOE CO2 Methodology to calculate all potential distributions of offshore storage efficiency and resource potential at multiple spatial scales for saline formations. The tailored methodology include accounting for changing CO2 density with the overlying water column and sediment differences in unlithified, porous, and permeable offshore saline formations. The latest release of the tool and a tutorial are available in the tools public GitHub repository. We recommend testing out this application using data from the Petrophysical Well Log Interpretation Dataset, which spans the northern Gulf of Mexico and is available on EDX here: https://edx.netl.doe.gov/dataset/petrophysical-well-log-interpretation-dataset

calculator↗

DOE OSTI2022

Quantitative Biostratigraphic Analysis and Age Estimates of Middle Cretaceous Sequences in The Baltimore Canyon Trough, Offshore Mid-Atlantic U.S. Margin

ABSTRACT We applied quantitative methods to previously published biostratigraphic data from the Baltimore Canyon Trough (offshore of the Mid-Atlantic U.S.A.) to provide an improved chronostratigraphic framework for Cretaceous sequences. Here, we successfully used graphic correlation of 228 planktonic foraminifera, nannofossil, and palynological events spanning 22 wells to define assemblage and interval zones as well as major paleoenvironmental changes in the Dawson Canyon, Logan Canyon (three sequences), and Missisauga Formations (two sequences, undifferentiated here). Ranking and scaling techniques were not successful because of the of the limited number of usable biostratigraphic markers. The ages of the sequences previously identified using well logs and seismic profiles were temporally constrained based on chronostratigraphically significant biostratigraphic markers that we identified: the late Cenomanian to Turonian DCx sequence (Rotalipora cushmani and Thalmanninella greenhornensis); the early Cenomanian LC1 sequence; the middle and late Albian LC2 sequence (Braarudosphaera africana, Planomalina buxtorfi, and Spinidinium vestitum); the late Aptian LC3 sequence (Cyclonephelium tabulatum); and the early Aptian to Barremian Missisauga sequences (Aptea anaphrissa, Pseudoceratium pelliferum, and Muderongia simplex). These five biostratigraphic associations are correlated with six prominent seismic reflectors and sequence boundaries that can be traced across the basin. Duration of hiatuses associated with these sequence boundaries are uncertain, though our Monte Carlo analysis allows extraction of age estimates from broad and sometimes contradictory ranges and suggests correlation of hiatuses with global sea-level falls. Together, these seismic and biostratigraphic interpretations can be applied (1) to evaluate reservoir continuity and the viability of offshore carbon storage reservoirs in the Baltimore Canyon Trough, (2) to better define the tectonostratigraphic evolution of the basin, and (3) to contribute to the understanding of regional and global variations in Cretaceous sea level.

Paleontology↗

DOE OSTI2022

Automatic Calibration of a Geomechanical Model from Sparse Data for Estimating Stress in Deep Geological Formations

Summary In this study, we demonstrate geomechanical modeling with fully automatic parameter calibration to estimate the full geomechanical stress fields of a prospective US carbon dioxide (CO2) storage site, based on sparse measurement data. The goal is to compute full stress tensor field estimates (principal stresses and orientations) that are maximally compatible with observations within the constraints of the model assumptions, thereby extending pointwise, incomplete partial stress measurement to a simulated full formation stress field, as well as a rough assessment of the associated error. We use the Perch site, located in Otsego County, Michigan, USA, as our case study. The input data consist of partial stress tensor information inferred from in-situ borehole tests, geophysical well logs, and processing of seismic data. A static earth model (SEM) of the site was developed, and geomechanical simulation functionality of the open-source MATLAB Reservoir Simulation Toolbox (MRST) was used to model the stress field. Adjoint-based nonlinear optimization was used to adjust boundary conditions and material properties to calibrate simulated results of observations. Results were interpreted through a Bayesian framework. The focus of this paper is to demonstrate how the fully automatic calibration procedure works and discuss the results obtained; it does not attempt a detailed analysis of the stress field in the context of the proposed CO2 storage initiatives. Our work is part of a larger effort to noninvasively determine in-situ stresses in deep formations considered for CO2 storage. Guided by previously published research on geomechanical model calibration, our work presents a novel calibration approach supporting a potentially large number of linear or nonlinear calibration parameters to produce results optimally agreeing with available measurements and thus extend partial pointwise estimates to full tensor fields compatible with the physics of the site.

Engineering↗

DOE OSTI2022

Rock Physics-Based Data Assimilation of Integrated Continuous Active-Source Seismic and Pressure Monitoring Data during Geological Carbon Storage

Summary There has been substantial controversy concerning the role of geological carbon storage (GCS) in sequestering anthropogenic carbon emissions to mitigate climate change and global warming. Arguments center on the inability to monitor a geological storage site precisely and continuously, especially highlighting the associated costs and spatiotemporal trade-offs when using conventional subsurface monitoring techniques (well logs, core samples, chemical tracers, and 4D seismics). Active surveillance of GCS sites is essential for managing and mitigating potential leaks but is also required by regulation. With the goal of enhancing the monitoring capability at GCS sites, we present a rock physics-based joint data assimilation model to study a popular GCS site at Cranfield, Mississippi, USA. Synthetic continuous active-source seismic monitoring (CASSM) data (in the form of Vp and Qp measurements) and wellbore pressure monitoring data are assimilated with an ensemble of reservoir realizations to monitor gas saturation and reservoir pressure changes over a period of 100 years. Synthetic seismic attributes are generated using rock physics models (RPMs) and wellbore pressure monitoring data are extracted from the ground truth. Two assimilation methods, ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) and ensemble Kalman smoother (EnKS), are tested in an observation system simulation experiment (OSSE) environment to assess the prediction accuracy of the individual and composite observation systems. The joint monitoring system achieves more accurate estimates of gas saturation and pressure, across the time span from start of injection to end of forecast, as compared to a single type of monitoring tool and irrespective of data assimilation algorithm choice. These results indicate that jointly assimilated data from two types of sensors (in this case, crosswell seismic and downhole pressure) may lead to a more risk-reducing monitoring design. One would expect that more data, vis-à-vis inclusion of a new sensor type, will improve the accuracy of any GCS monitoring system. However, from a practical standpoint, one important question is whether such a gain in accuracy is worth the additional cost associated with the new sensor. This paper focuses on quantifying the gain in accuracy, such that a practitioner can answer this question.

Engineering↗

DOE OSTI2020

Characterizing Baselines and Change in Gas Hydrate Systems using EM Methods

The objective of this project was to advance our understanding of gas hydrate systems in nature by characterizing their electrical properties in the field and in the laboratory. In the laboratory measurements, methane hydrate was synthesized from pure water ice and flash frozen seawater, with varying amounts of sand or silt added. Electrical conductivity was determined by impedance spectroscopy, using equivalent circuit modeling to separate the effects of electrodes and to gain insight into conduction mechanisms. Silt and sand increase the conductivity of pure hydrate, inferred to be contaminant NaCl contributing to conduction in hydrate, to a peak conductivity in agreement with peak resistivities observed in well logs through massive hydrate (3,000--10,000 Ωm). The addition of silt and sand lowers the conductivity of hydrate synthesized from seawater, by an amount consistent with Archie's Law. All samples were characterized using cryogenic scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, which shows good connectivity of salt and brine phases. Electrical conductivity measurements of pure hydrate and hydrate mixed with silt during pressure-induced dissociation supports previous conclusions that sediment increases dissociation rate. In order to characterize gas hydrate systems in the field, we collected 360 line kilometers of controlled-source electromagnetic data on Walker Ridge 313, Orca Basin (WR100), Mad Dog (GC781), and Green Canyon 955 in the Gulf of Mexico, all areas with known or seismically inferred gas hydrate deposits and which have be drilled or targeted for future drilling. We deep-towed an EM transmitter that generates an alternating electric field which propagates through the seafloor geology. Data were recorded on 6 receivers towed behind the transmitter at distances between 550 and 1550 m. In the presence of conductive geology, the electric fields will be attenuated, and conversely, in resistive geology the fields will be preserved. Our data were inverted using a 2D inversion method that first optimizes the model-data misfit, then finds the smoothest model fitting the data. This ensures that resistivity structures present in the final model are likely necessary. At each of the proposed drilling sites we found increased resistivity, interpreted as increased hydrate concentrations. However, not only were the primary drilling sites not always more resistive than the alternate sites, at WR313 the strongest resistors were not at the locations targeted for drilling.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

DOE OSTI2020

An Eight-County Appraisal of the San Andres Residual Oil Zone (ROZ) 'Fairway' of the Permian Basin

This document assesses the size and distribution of the oil resource in an eight-county portion of the San Andres residual oil zone (ROZ) fairway in the Permian Basin. Using well log analysis, the study divided the ROZ into partitions, developed a database of geologic properties for each partition and estimated the oil in place in each partition. The study then used the FE/NETL CO 2 Prophet Model to estimate the oil that could be produced and CO 2 stored from applying CO 2 EOR to each partition. With the FE/NETL Onshore CO 2 EOR Cost Model, the commercially viable partitions were identified as those that could produce oil and store CO 2 economically at an oil price of $75/STB. The remaining geologically viable partitions could use CO 2 EOR to store CO 2 with production of oil to offset some of the costs. The database used for this study, and a report describing the database is available on NETL's website under the Collection Name Eight-County San Andres ROZ Appraisal.

02 PETROLEUM↗

DOE OSTI2020

A Four-County Appraisal of the San Andres Residual Oil Zone (ROZ) 'Fairway' of the Permian Basin

This document assesses the size and distribution of the oil resource in a four-county portion of the San Andres residual oil zone (ROZ) fairway in the Permian Basin. Using well log analysis, the study divided the ROZ into partitions, developed a database of geologic properties for each partition and estimated the oil in place in each partition. The study then used the FE/NETL CO 2 Prophet Model to estimate the oil that could be produced and CO 2 stored from applying CO 2 EOR to each partition. With the FE/NETL Onshore CO 2 EOR Cost Model, the commercially viable partitions were identified as those that could produce oil and store CO 2 economically at an oil price of $75/STB. The remaining geologically viable partitions could use CO 2 EOR to store CO 2 with production of oil to offset some of the costs. The database used for this study, and a report describing the database is available on NETL's website under the Collection Name: Four-County San Andres ROZ Appraisal.

02 PETROLEUM↗

DOE OSTI2021

Assessment of Modeling and Nuclear Data Needs for Active Neutron Interrogation

This document is the primary deliverable for a scoping study proposed to DOE National Laboratory Announcement Number LAB 19-2114 in the NNSA research area. The study supports user applications employing active neutron interrogation by providing a science plan to improve the modeling capability and the nuclear data that radiation transport codes use. Users rely on the accuracy of the elastic scattering and non-elastic cross-sections spanning thermal energies to 14 MeV (and higher in some cases) for modeling the neutron transport through complex geometries of materials potentially composed of many elements. While the elastic scattering cross-section data are accepted for all commonly occurring elements, the non-elastic cross-section data and the associated emission data include reaction channels that require attention. The study focused on the non-elastic reactions that emit secondary, also known as prompt, gammas with the premise that many users would benefit from improved modeling of these reactions. Many users develop material assay technologies based upon gamma signatures from radiative capture, inelastic scattering, and reactions on low-Z isotopes emitting multiple particles, so the nuclear data gaps, modeling deficiencies, and recommendations for addressing the shortfalls were assessed for these reactions. Fission gammas were excluded from this study because there are other efforts underway to address known shortfalls. Follow-on efforts that successfully execute the recommendations will tangibly improve to the ability to model gamma signatures and backgrounds for user applications, such as controlled substance detection, oil-well logging, and space exploration.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Wabash CarbonSAFE: Detailed Site Characterization Plan, Task 11.0, Technical Report

Wabash CarbonSAFE established that commercial-scale CO 2 storage in the Potosi Dolomite –Maquoketa Group storage complex associated with the Wabash Valley Resources (WVR) plant site near Terre Haute, IN is highly feasible. The CarbonSAFE project team performed this evaluation through extensive data acquisition and analysis including 2D seismic reflection data, wireline logs, well testing, and core/cuttings from the Wabash #1 stratigraphic test well (now plugged and abandoned). This document summarizes work detailed in separate Wabash CarbonSAFE reports and consolidates the geologic characterization, well testing, and storage complex modeling results for the Mt. Simon Sandstone and Potosi Dolomite, two distinct reservoirs characterized at the Wabash CarbonSAFE project site. The report then presents recommendations for the next steps for site characterization, identifies data gaps for future activities, and provides an overall assessment of site potential.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

DOE OSTI2021

Integrating Machine Learning into a Methodology for Early Detection of Wellbore Failure [Slides]

Approximately 93% of US total energy supply is dependent on wellbores in some form. The industry will drill more wells in next ten years than in the last 100 years (King, 2014). Global well population is around 1.8 million of which approximately 35% has some signs of leakage (i.e. sustained casing pressure). Around 5% of offshore oil and gas wells “fail” early, more with age and most with maturity. 8.9% of “shale gas” wells in the Marcellus play have experienced failure (120 out of 1,346 wells drilled in 2012) (Ingraffea et al., 2014). Current methods for identifying wells that are at highest priority for increased monitoring and/or at highest risk for failure consists of “hand” analysis of multi-arm caliper (MAC) well logging data and geomechanical models. Machine learning (ML) methods are of interest to explore feasibility for increasing analysis efficiency and/or enhanced detection of precursors to failure (e.g. deformations). MAC datasets used to train ML algorithms and preliminary tests were run for “predicting” casing collar locations and performed above 90% in classification and identifying of casing collar locations.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2021

Integrating Machine Learning into a Methodology for Early Detection of Wellbore Failure [Slides]

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2022

AMPP Division Rack Cards [Posters/Cards]

The Actinide Material Processing and Power (AMPP) Division supports plutonium 238 science and manufacturing for NASA exploration, Defense Programs, Advanced Recovery and Integrated Extraction System (ARIES) for nuclear non-proliferation, Materials Recovery & Recycle to enable the future of our operations, and americium production to support well logging for the United States.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

DOE OSTI2022

The Cypress Sandstone Seal System

The Cypress Sandstone is the youngest and shallowest unit in the Illinois Basin that was featured in the United States Carbon Utilization and Storage Atlas IV as a target for saline carbon storage with an estimated 0.2 to 2.3 GT of storage potential. Additional research on a residual oil zone (ROZ) developed within the Cypress Sandstone has delineated 27 prospects with approximately 290.8 million m3 (1.8 billion barrels) of oil in place. 21 to 31 million m 3 (144 to 196 million barrels) of oil is estimated to be recoverable using carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery (CO 2 -EOR). Storage of CO 2 associated with EOR in these ROZ prospects alone, not accounting for associated main pay zones (MPZs), underlying brine formation, or intervals adjacent to or between prospects, is estimated to be up to 10.4 billion tonnes. The Cypress Sandstone is thus well understood to be a CO 2 injection target, both for EOR and associated storage. However, the seal system overlying the Cypress Sandstone is poorly understood. Unlike deeper formations such as the Mt. Simon Sandstone or the St. Peter Sandstone which are either in use as a CO 2 sink or being characterized for prospective storage, respectively, the Cypress is not overlain by hundreds of feet of impermeable shale. Rather, the Cypress is overlain by a lithologically variable interval that is composed generally of shales and limestones with some sandstone in the part of the Basin where the Cypress is deep enough to facilitate CO 2 storage. Also, due to its status as one of the shallowest and most prolific oil reservoirs in the Basin, the seal system overlying the Cypress Sandstone has a relatively high number of legacy well penetrations. The purpose of this report is to characterize the Cypress Sandstone seal system using well logs and available core. Gross thickness, lithology (facies), and mineralogy of seals is described and mapped across the Basin. The column height of CO 2 that can be held is calculated using capillary pressure data from a representative core.

02 PETROLEUM↗

DOE OSTI2024

AEOLIAN INTERDUNE FACIES OF THE NAVAJO SANDSTONE, UTAH

During the Early Jurassic an extensive desert environment covered a large area of the Western Interior of the USA. The Navajo Sandstone erg is thought to be one of the largest dunefields preserved in the rock record, estimated to have covered well over 500,000 km2, though the preserved extent is less due to erosion. The Navajo Sandstone outcrops extensively in eastern and southern Utah, forming spectacular domes and arches, including those in Arches National Park. Navajo Sandstone aeolian dunes consist of stacked, tabular sandstone bodies, displaying steeply dipping crossbedding, and are on average 15 m thick, with high porosity and permeability. In addition to these extensive paleodunes, interdune deposits are also documented, consisting of lensoid sandstone or pale grey limestone, of approximately 1-7 m thick. This research forms part of a broader investigation into the Navajo Sandstone in Utah, focusing on its potential as a CO2 reservoir. The internal stratigraphy of the Navajo Sandstone can be complex, with multiple types of aeolian surfaces present including discontinuous inter-dune contacts, and inclined bedding planes associated with large climbing dunes. Interdune deposits may be associated with more laterally extensive stratigraphic surfaces, highlighting their importance in the internal stratigraphic framework of the Navajo Sandstone erg. Here we interpret facies and depositional processes of aeolian interdune deposits of the Navajo Sandstone throughout Utah, using well log, outcrop, and thin sections. Interdune deposits range in type from short lived, small ponds of predominantly reworked aeolian sediment, to comparatively long-lived oases consisting of lakes with extensive ecosystems. This project aims to increase our understanding of an important potential CO2 reservoir, and enhance understanding of stratigraphic complexity within one of the world's most significant aeolian systems.

Mahon, Elizabeth (ORCID:0000000252692454)↗

DOE OSTI2024

Mesozoic Deserts and CO2 Storage: The Glen Canyon Group, Utah, USA

For much of the Mesozoic an extensive desert environment extended across the Western Interior of the USA. These desert systems deposited vast dunefields, including one of the largest ergs preserved in the rock record. The Glen Canyon Group in Utah is a Triassic-Jurassic aged aeolian succession, consisting of thick, laterally extensive aeolian dune deposits, interdune lakes and oases, and dryland fluvial systems. These aeolian deposits have been identified as potential CO2 sequestration reservoirs. The Jurassic-aged Navajo Sandstone has been the subject of research into its potential as a CO2 reservoir, as well as naturally occurring CO2 seeps in the Green River area. It has excellent reservoir properties, consisting of thick sandstones with high porosity and permeability, and has industry data including well logs and core. It occurs in both outcrop and subcrop, allowing for comparison and sense checking of interpretations across small and large scales. The Triassic Wingate Sandstone has received much less attention, however it too is composed of thick aeolian dune deposits. Like the Navajo Sandstone, the Wingate Sandstone has industry data, and occurs in both outcrop and subcrop. Using extensive industry data which exists across Utah is an effective way to pivot from a hydrocarbon focus to CO2 injection, and so contribute to green energy and carbon neutral emission goals. Here we use historic industry data in conjunction with field work, to study the Navajo and Wingate Sandstones and their potential as CO2 reservoirs, in addition to increasing our understanding of lithologic and stratigraphic complexity in one of the most significant aeolian systems in the world.

Mahon, Elizabeth↗

DOE OSTI2025

Stochastic Ensemble Generation for Improved Characterization of Representing Geologic Variability in a Reservoir: IBDP Case Study for SMART Initiative

This document is a poster covering the findings from activities on training data generation, specifically geologic ensemble generation. The generated geologic realizations captured the range of possible permeability distributions of the subsurface at the Illinois Basin - Decatur Project (IBDP) site, based on available well log variabilities. The percentages of reservoirs and baffles in the injection zone and a truncation of baffle permeability led to more variance in the simulations. This will be used to build forward modeling, history matching, and optimization workflows. The geologic realizations were also ranked according to dynamic measures of hydraulic diffusivity, and simulations confirm a greater contrast between the reservoir and the baffles during injection.

stochastic ensemble generation↗

DOE OSTI2024

Enhancing CO 2 Storage Complex Characterization in the Williston Basin: An Integrated Approach of Petrophysical Evaluation and Core Analysis

Conference presentation at Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Conference 2024, Houston, Texas, March 11–13, 2024. Petrophysics and core analysis are pivotal in carbon capture and storage (CCS). An integrated workflow including conventional and advanced well logs and core analysis (CCAL and SCAL) was developed to characterize the Broom Creek Formation as the target reservoir to store CO 2 in a CCS project in North Dakota.

02 PETROLEUM↗

DOE OSTI2026

Alabama Carbon Storage: Data Sharing and Engagement (Final Report)

This report is the final technical report on Alabama Carbon Storage: Data Sharing Engagement (ACS:DSE) project activities. The goals of the ACS:DSE project are to compile geologic, geophysical, infrastructure, and other relevant CCUS datasets for the study area and develop a geologic model of the study area; develop an online platform to serve data to stakeholders; engage with the public, students, and industry to educate them about CCUS and the data platform; and ensure energy and environmental justice is central to all aspects of the project. Datasets compiled and expanded include formation depths and elevations, digital geophysical well logs, reservoir properties, geologic structures, and geologic models. The geologic data were used to create a three-dimensional geologic model, structure grids, structure contour maps, and fault trace maps. In addition to downloadable datasets, links to CCUS relevant regulatory agencies (e.g., OGB, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) and sources for infrastructure and educational information were included on the website Educational materials on CCUS for use by K-12 teachers were produced as part of the ACS:DSE project.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗