Recent research published in ‘Scientific Reports’ has unveiled a promising method for carbon capture and storage in the petroleum industry, specifically through the use of CO2 foam. This innovative approach not only aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also enhances oil recovery in depleted oil reservoirs, presenting a dual benefit for the industry.
The study, led by Ayomikun Bello from the Center for Petroleum Science and Engineering at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, focuses on a high-salinity carbonate formation that still contains a significant amount of residual oil. The research indicates that injecting CO2 in foam form can increase oil recovery by 2.7 times compared to traditional CO2 injection methods. Furthermore, the amount of CO2 stored during foam injection was found to be 38% higher than that of standard injection techniques.
The effectiveness of CO2 foam lies in its ability to reduce gas mobility, allowing for the formation of isolated bubbles through a phenomenon known as the Jamin effect. This unique property not only aids in oil recovery but also enhances the CO2 storage capacity by a remarkable 2.6 times, suggesting that around 2 gigatons of CO2 could potentially be sequestered in the modeled reservoir.
The study identifies three mechanisms for CO2 storage: solubility, residual, and mineralization trapping. Notably, residual trapping emerged as the dominant mechanism, accounting for over 70% of the total CO2 trapped. This is particularly significant given the high salinity of the aqueous medium, which reduces the dissolution of CO2 in brine.
Bello emphasized the commercial implications of this research, stating, “This study illustrates a novel CO2 utilization and storage technique in which CO2 is concurrently sequestered while enhancing oil recovery.” The potential for increased oil production alongside effective carbon storage presents a compelling opportunity for the petroleum sector, especially as companies seek to meet stricter environmental regulations and improve their sustainability profiles.
For industries involved in oil extraction and carbon management, this research opens new avenues for integrating carbon capture technologies into existing operations. The ability to enhance oil recovery while simultaneously addressing carbon emissions aligns with the growing demand for sustainable practices in the energy sector. As the industry continues to evolve, methods like CO2 foam injection could play a crucial role in balancing economic viability with environmental responsibility.
