95-5 Efficient Boundary Modeling for CO₂ Storage in Saline Aquifers

Session: Sustainable Subsurface Pore Space Utilization: Site Selection, Characterization, and Modeling

Presenting Author:

Authors:

Abstract:

Accurately modeling boundary conditions is crucial for effective geological CO₂ storage, supporting regulatory compliance, reliable Area of Review (AoR) assessments, and optimized storage in saline aquifers. This study evaluates several numerical techniques for simulating aquifer boundaries in reservoir models, aiming to strike a balance between computational efficiency and model realism. Traditional methods, like basic boundary assumptions or simple volumetric adjustments, often miss key aspects of pressure propagation needed for AoR and regulatory approval. We evaluate how to model the boundary condition effectively. Special attention is given to the gradual model, which employs progressive modifications of the outer grid layers to smoothly transition between reservoir and boundary conditions. This gradual approach preserves storage volume and pressure distribution while drastically reducing computational time. Benchmarking against detailed full-scale models in both homogeneous and heterogeneous settings shows that gradual boundary adjustments and local grid refinement achieve highly accurate predictions of pressure and plume movement, closely aligning with full-model results. This work offers a practical guide for selecting and calibrating efficient boundary condition models, enabling faster uncertainty assessment, and streamlined regulatory submissions for Class VI permits.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-9147

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