Anisotropic fault leakage into multiple shallower formations connected to an injection zone
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
1-1-2019
Abstract
Faults can conduct fluids to shallower formations that may adversely affect groundwater resources and ultimately surface environment during geological storage of carbon dioxide. In this study, an analytical model is derived for a multilayer system that is intersected by a leaky fault. The fault-zone structure and anisotropic flow inside the fault zone are considered which are necessary for fault leakage characterization. The fault-zone structure includes damaged zones with high permeability and a core zone in between with low permeability. The diffusivity equations are written for the multilayer system as well as the fault zone and the system of equations is solved by Laplace and Fourier transforms. The solution is capable to investigate up-, across-, and along-fault fluid flow as well as pressure variations of the shallower formations. Using the pressure variations of the injection well, the vertical extension of fault leakage to shallower formations is evaluated.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Proceedings - SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition
Recommended Citation
Mosaheb, M., & Zeidouni, M. (2019). Anisotropic fault leakage into multiple shallower formations connected to an injection zone. Proceedings - SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 2019-September https://doi.org/10.2118/196154-ms