In the quest for cleaner energy and sustainable practices, monitoring subsurface fluid flow has long been a critical yet challenging endeavor. Now, a groundbreaking method developed by researchers at the China University of Geosciences (Beijing) promises to revolutionize how we track and understand these hidden pathways, with significant implications for the energy sector.
The innovative approach, detailed in a recent study led by Haitong Yang from the School of Energy Resources, leverages DNA sequencing to map subsurface fluid flow paths with unprecedented precision. This method addresses three major hurdles in current monitoring technologies: the lack of large-scale, time-lapse monitoring, the absence of reliable microbial tracers, and the oversight of front propagation velocity.
Imagine trying to navigate a complex maze blindfolded. Traditional methods of monitoring subsurface fluid flow are somewhat akin to this challenge, relying on sparse data points and limited visibility. Yang’s method, however, introduces a new level of clarity. By tracking microbial communities in subsurface fluids, the researchers can create a detailed, dynamic map of fluid pathways over time.
“The accuracy of our method is validated through physical simulation experiments and the Kalman filter method,” Yang explains. “This allows for 44-day time-lapse, large-scale dynamic monitoring of subsurface fluid flow pathways at depths of up to 1300 meters.”
The implications for the energy sector are vast. Technologies such as Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), geothermal systems, and hydrogen storage all face persistent technical and economic barriers in monitoring precision and cost-effectiveness. This DNA-sequencing method could significantly reduce these uncertainties, supporting the global goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
For instance, in CCUS projects, precise monitoring of CO2 injection and storage is crucial to ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance. Similarly, geothermal energy projects require accurate tracking of fluid flow to optimize energy extraction and prevent ground instability. The ability to monitor these processes in real-time and over large scales could lead to more efficient, safer, and cost-effective operations.
Moreover, the method’s application across all stages of a reservoir’s circulating water injection lifecycle—from initial injection to production—provides a comprehensive tool for energy companies. By selecting stable microbial tracers, the method enables flow-front velocity-integrated mapping, offering a holistic view of subsurface activities.
The study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, which translates to Communications Earth and Environment, represents a significant step forward in subsurface monitoring technologies. As the energy sector continues to evolve, driven by the urgent need for sustainable practices, such innovations will be pivotal in shaping a cleaner, more efficient future.
The potential for this research to transform the energy landscape is immense. By providing a more accurate and cost-effective means of monitoring subsurface fluid flow, it could accelerate the adoption of cleaner energy technologies and enhance the reliability of existing systems. As Yang and his team continue to refine and expand their method, the energy sector stands on the brink of a new era of precision and sustainability.
