Integrated Geosciences Approach to CO2 Leakage
Prediction and Detection at Geologic Sequestration Sites
OST Focus Area Assessment
Tom Wilson & Henry Rauch
West Virginia University
Department of Geology and
Geography
NETL Partners – MMV Team
Art Wells, Rod Diehl & Brian Strazisar
FY08 Budget- $83,300 (received); $290,660 (RDS allocation)
FTE 0.33
THW 05/20/2008
Potential Benefits of Technology
• Help extend and enhance partnership geophysical
monitoring applications
• Help partnerships fill technology gaps and enhance
technology applications for example through
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Surface mapping and fracture studies
Acquisition/analysis of satellite imagery
Evaluation of INSAR potential
Evaluation of NIR and SWIR spectral properties for seep
identification
 Use of innovative logging tools (FMI & Sonic Scanner)
 Planning 2D seismic monitoring effort
 Planning of 3C VSP monitoring activities
• Locate potential CO2 leakage pathways
• Identify locations for optimal placement of monitoring
technologies to permit accurate estimation of CO2 escape
volume
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Goals
 Programmatic Goals
Interact with the NETL MMV team (Wells, Diehl & Strazisar)
to develop of an integrated geosciences approach to locate
existing and potential CO2 leakage pathways and to
understand their origins.
 Technical Issues
Determine optimal locations to place monitoring technologies
so that very small amounts of CO2 leakage can be detected
and accurately quantified.
Explain mechanisms that facilitate leakage should it occur
Help expand outgrowths of partnership monitoring efforts by
filling technology gaps and enhancing technology
applications
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Objectives
Assist NETL and partnership collaborations with their MMV
and site characterization activities in the San Juan Basin
(SJB) and other pilot sites
Compliment and extend background geologic, geophysical
and remote sensing characterization of the SJB and other
pilot sites
Compliment and extend use of geophysical technologies
(SJB and other pilot sites)
Assist with ground water surveys and analysis at SJB site
Perform ground water survey and analysis at Montana
State University study site
Identify high risk leakage areas and, as an outgrowth,
Recommend additional monitoring locations to the NETL
MMV team
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Challenges
CO2 leakage detection presents new scientific and
technical challenge
Adapt geophysical/geological technologies and
applications in innovative ways to help detect potential
leakage pathways that might facilitate release of injected
CO2 back into Earth’s atmosphere.
A major challenge faced in all sequestration efforts is to
adapt, modify and integrate characterization, monitoring
and detection methodologies for CO2 leakage detection
and storage validation. The optimal approach is likely to
vary from site to site and our approaches need to be
flexible and adaptive.
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Technical Approach – Future Plans
 Work with Schlumberger to integrate logging and preinjection VSP observations: SWP - San Juan Basin Pilot.
 Interpret VSP and 3D seismic observations for evidence of
fracture zones or faults in the vicinity of the injection well:
SWP - San Juan Basin Pilot.
 Help the NETL MMV team interpret post injection PFC
tracer and soil gas observations: SWP - San Juan Basin
Pilot.
 Obtain access to 3D seismic over the Michigan Basin Pilot
 Help the NETL MMV team interpret post injection tracer
and soil gas observations: Michigan Basin Pilot.
 Explore avenues for additional collaborative support of
NETL MMV efforts with other partnerships as part of their
continued Phase II and Phase III sequestration efforts
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Technical Approach – Future Plans
As injection proceeds we will continue to
 Work with Schlumberger and the SWP on acquisition of
their monitor VSP, time lapse comparison & modeling.
 Provide continued input to the NETL MMV team regarding
implications of initial VSP and integrated time-lapse
VSP/log analysis: SWP - San Juan Basin Pilot.
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Technical Approach – Future Plans
Provide continued assistance and advice to the SWP on
monitoring water well technical issues related to the their
San Juan Basin pilot: including well design, well sampling
procedures, well pump testing procedures, water sample
field analysis, water sample transport, water sample
chemical lab analysis, and chemical data processing and
interpretation.
 Provide assistance on the ZERT Montana State
University (MSU) effort, at Bozeman Montana with
shallow ground water monitoring and data analysis
associated with the July, 2008 CO2 injection test.
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Technical Approach – Future Plans
 We also plan to explore uses of visualization cave
conferencing capabilities
 Development of capabilities to help integrate the great
variety of multidisciplinary data collected over
sequestration pilot sites in an interactive 3D visualization
environment.
THW 05/20/2008
Technical Approach –
Overview of research efforts & collaborations
 Background Characterization Efforts
Develop subsurface database, structure maps and
interpretations of subsurface geology
Conduct Field work
 Map
fractures & local geology around the injection well
 Collect EM terrain conductivity data over the site
 Collect spectral measurements for vegetation, soil and
rock samples at the site
Conduct remote sensing studies and integrated
lineament & surface fracture trace analysis
Provide input to the NETL MMV team regarding
location of additional PFC tracer and soil gas samples
Expand geophysical studies to enhance on-site
Partnership activities
See additional supplemental slides
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Example efforts/collaborations
QuickBird: satellite image-based fracture evaluation
Injection Well
West Rim
Southeast Rim
QuickBird image acquisition
See additional supplemental slide
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Technology Approach -Surface Terrain Conductivity Surveys
F
G
CO2 Injection
Well
D
C
B
A
E
Technology reference:
Approximately 27 line kilometers of
EM observations collected over the
SJB site using a multi-frequency
terrain conductivity meter.
Low-conductivity anomalies are
interpreted to be well drained areas
within the massive sand covering
the mesa.
Recommendations were made to
our NETL MMV partners for
additional placement of CATS and
soil gas sample locations based on
conductivity response.
This work will also be integrated
into the near-surface migration
modeling efforts of Small and Gray.
Huang & Won, 2000, Conductivity and susceptibility mapping
using broadband electromagnetic sensors: Environmental and
Engineering Geophysics
THW 05/20/2008
Radar Interferometry (INSAR) Test for Subsidence Detection
Acquired and analyzed three images
over three month period (August –
October, 2006)
Good coherence and an abundance of
point targets in the area make this a
viable method for monitoring surface
inflation in response to CO2 injection.
Injection Well
The SWP currently has MDA
collecting INSAR imagery at regular
intervals and will conduct analysis
pending results of surface tiltmeter
observations undertaken by Pinnacle.
Technology reference –
MacDonald, Detwiler and Associates Ltd, 2007, Evaluation of InSAR Technology for Monitoring Ground Movement in New
Mexico: report prepared for Tom Wilson, June, 2007
Rabus et al., 2004, Interferometric point target analysis of RadarSay-1 data for deformation monitoring at the Beridge/Lost
Hills Oil fields: International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium conference.
See additional supplemental slide
THW 05/20/2008
Technology Approach – Innovative Logging Observations
FMI log
Helped initiate, finance and coordinate development
of injection well logging plan
Run 1 (WVU): Top of Fruitland to surface casing
Platform Express:  ray, neutron, bulk density,
lateral log
FMI: Bottom 500 ft interpreted for fractures and
anisotropy, plus bedding and faulting
Sonic Scanner: P & S wave velocity with all
mechanical properties
Sonic Scanner: Advanced anisotropy (bottom 500 ft,
same interval as FMI log)
Sonic Scanner
Technology References:
Schlumberger, 2002, FMI, Borehole geology, geomechanics and 3D reservoir
modeling: www.slb.com/media/services/evaluation/geology/fmi.pdf
Schlumberger, 2005, Sonic scanner, acoustic scanning platform:
www.slb.com/media/services/evaluation/petrophysics/acoustic/sonic_scanner.pdf
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Technology Approach - VSP monitoring to detect CO2 invasion
SWP Collaborative Effort
We helped the SWP design their VSP
monitoring effort.
The locations of utilities, pipelines,
and tiltmeters and archaeological
issues had to be considered in
locating VSP source points.
The VSP design incorporates
analysis of 3C observations, shear
wave splitting and coordination of
analysis with the logging effort
through Schlumberger.
See additional supplemental slide
THW 05/20/2008
Logging and VSP monitoring efforts –
characterization and detection innovations
• Integration of geophysical technologies for
prediction and detection
• Use of the FMI log for borehole fracture
characterization
• Use of sonic anisotropy to extend those
observations into the region around the well bore
• Use of VSP observations of slow and fast shear
directions to obtain larger Fresnel zone scale look at
anisotropy in the region surrounding the wellbore
provided by the VSP, and the
• Use of time lapse comparison of variable azimuth
offset VSP observations for flood front detection
Example VSP technology references –
Horne et al., 2002, Planning, acquiring and processing a walkaround VSP for fracture
induced anisotropy: EAGE conference and Exhibition.
Thompson et al., 2002, Seismic fracture characterization of a sandstone reservoir – Rangely
Field, CO: SEG conference & Exhibition.
THW 05/20/2008
Subsurface Characterization of the Michigan Basin Pilot
• Initiated subsurface characterization effort for the
MRCSP Michigan Basin Bass Island Pilot.
• Developed a database of well logs and formation top
picks
• Constructed maps showing total till thickness,
subsea depth to base of till, subsea depth to Antrim
Shale
• Located 2D and 3D seismic data sets over the area
• Uncovered detailed history of well casing corrosion,
water dumping and inadvertent flooding of the deeper
Niagaran Reef trend
Technology Reference –
Toelle, B., Pekot, L., and Mannes, R., 2007, CO2 EOR from a north Michigan Silurian
reef: Procedings paper, Spciety of Petroleum Engineers SPE-111223-PP, 6p.
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Subsurface Characterization of the Michigan Basin Pilot
The Charlton 4-30 is the Bass Island
injection well. It is expected to become
available for operation in the deeper
Niagaran reef during 2008.
Corroded casing is common to all wells.
Locally the Dundee is used for disposal
of produced water.
As a consequence water has been
indirectly injected into the deeper
Niagaran
The 2-30 well began to produce water in
1985
100% water cut arrived at the C2-30 well
in 1997 ending primary production in the
field.
Interconnections observed between C230 and 1-30 wells
From Toelle et al. (2007)
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Ground Water Work (Rauch)
Initially located and designed four ground water
monitoring wells in the San Juan Basin (SJB) NM
study area.
Assisted Reid Grigg of New Mexico Tech with plans
for constructing, sampling, and analyzing water of
the SJB monitoring wells.
The following figures show current planned locations
for the water monitoring wells (May, 2008)
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Ground Water Work (Rauch)
Proposed May 2008 locations of ground water monitoring wells.
The locations are based on topographic lineaments, drainage
and EM conductivity anomalies.
USGS Topographic Map Figure,
from NM Resource GIS Program
Digital Orthophoto, File 36107G61,
from NM Resource GIS Program
THW 05/20/2008
Ground Water Work (Rauch)
Ground water monitoring using water wells was performed
at the Montana State University (MSU) field test site in
2007 for the first horizontal well CO2 injection test. This
test, involving a 6 – 8 ft deep horizontal injection well,
simulated surface ground leakage of sequestered CO2
along fracture zones or faults, to test MMV techniques.
This work was done in coordination with other MMV
assessment teams.
More such ground water monitoring work is planned at the
MSU test site for summer 2008 during the second
horizontal well CO2 injection test.
The next two figures illustrate monitoring well locations
relative to the horizontal injection well trace and activity
locations of other MMV teams for the summer 2007 test.
Similar MMV activities will occur in summer 2008, for a
higher CO2 injection rate test.
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Technical Approach – Future Plans at MSU Test Site
6
plant experiments
5
4
LBL
EC tower
3
2
WALKWAY
1
SW end
-6
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
PNNL
-7
NETL
-8
array of water wells
-9
MSU fiber optic box
-1
LANL
EC tower
-2
NE end
1
2
3
4
5
MSU LIDAR
6
7
8
9
WALKWAY
MSU multispectral
camera scaffolding
-3
-4
-5
-6
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MSU water monitoring
well placement near
trace of horizontal
CO2 injection well
(gray line); 2007
N
15°
Ground water
gradient
(0,-3)
1m
10m
(0,-4)
=10 foot deep well
=5 foot deep well
(Bottom 2 feet of wells
is screened)
THW 05/20/2008
Productivity and Results
 Our focus throughout has been to interact with the NETL
MMV team and associated partnerships to enhance
outgrowths of collaborative efforts
 We have attempted to be adaptive in our approach, looking
for opportunities to fill technology gaps

incorporating surface mapping/fracture characterization

through use of remote sensing observation
(QuickBird/Landsat/RadarSat)

through acquisition and evaluation of time lapse INSAR

acquisition and interpretation of EM surveys

design of a geophysical logging program

design of surface and VSP seismic monitoring programs
 We have collaborated with and sought guidance from
Schlumberger in the development of integrated geophysical
applications (logging and VSP) for subsurface
characterization and CO2 detection.
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Productivity and Results
 Groundwater efforts
 Designed the shallow ground water monitoring system at the SWP
San Juan Basin test site in New Mexico
 Our Team will continue to assist NETL, SWP, and other
partnership efforts to
 Characterize the subsurface,
 Help determine and evaluate the integrity of pilot sites,
 Facilitate use of innovative geophysical approaches to monitoring/
subsurface evaluation
 Help optimize locations of PFC and soil gas sample locations
 Better understand local groundwater systems
 And overall, help enhance the viability and effectiveness of carbon
storage activities
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Presentations and Papers
Presentations:
Tensen, J., and Warner, T., 2006, Field spectra collection in support of reservoir
integrity characterization for a coal bed methane carbon sequestration site.
Sixty First Annual meeting of the Southeastern Division of the Association of American
Geographers (SEDAAG), Morgantown, WV
Henthorn, B., Wilson, T., and Wells, A., 2007, Subsurface Characterization of a Carbon
Sequestration Pilot Site: San Juan Basin: Poster Presentation, 2007 Annual AAPG
Convention, Long Beach CA
Young, G., Schepers, K., Oudlnot, A., Reeves, S., McPherson, B., Henthorn, B., Wilson,
T., Bromhal, G., Smith, D., 2007, San Juan Basin enhanced coalbed methane –
carbon storage pilot: Role of pre-injection site characterization in project
design: Poster Presentation, 2007 Annual AAPG Convention, Long Beach CA
Strazisar, B.R, Wells, A.W., Diehl, J.R., Wilson, T.H., and Rauch. H.W., 2007, NETL’s
Near-Surface Monitoring at the San Juan Basin Project Site. Sixth Annual Carbon
Capture & Sequestration Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
Proceedings Paper:
Henthorn, B., Wilson, T., and Wells, A., 2007, Subsurface Characterization of a Carbon
Sequestration Pilot Site: San Juan Basin: Search and Discovery Article #80005,
posted at http://www.searchanddiscovery.net/documents/2007/07047henthorn/
index.htm, adapted from the AAPG poster presentation and publishes on the meeting
CD.
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Presentations and Papers
In preparation:
Wilson, T., Wells, A., Rauch, H., Strazisar, B., and Diehl, R., 2008, Site characterization
activities with a focus on NETL MMV efforts: Southwest Regional Partnership, San
Juan Basin Pilot, New Mexico: accepted for presentation at the 2008 International
Coal Conference, Pittsburgh, PA
Related Collaborative Papers/Articles
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Wilson, T., Wells, A., Diehl, R., Bromhal, G., Smith, D., Carpenter, W. and White, C.,
2005, Ground penetrating radar survey and lineament analysis of the West Pearl
Queen carbon sequestration pilot site, New Mexico: The Leading Edge, vol. 24, p.
718-722.
Wilson, T., and Miller, R., 2006, Introduction to the Special Section: Carbon
Sequestration/EOR: The Leading Edge, vol. 25, p 1262-1263.
Wells, A., Hammack, R., Veloski, G., Diehl, R., Strazisar, B., Rauch, H., Wilson, T.,
and White, C., 2006, Monitoring, mitigation, and verification at sequestration sites:
SEQURE technologies and the challenge for geophysical detection: The Leading
Edge, vol. 25, p. 1264-1270.
Wells, A., Diehl, J., Bromhal, G., Strazisar, B., Wilson, T., and White, C., 2007, The
use of tracers to assess leakage from the sequestration of CO2 in a depleted oil
reservoir, New Mexico, USA: Applied Geochemistry, vol. 22, p. 996- 1016.
Fessenden, J., Dentaku, K., Rauch, H., Dobeck, L., Pickles, W., and Spangler, L.,
2007, Isotope tracing of CO2 seepage: Results from controlled release experiment in
Bozeman, Montana, USA, Proceedings of EOS, vol. 88, no. 52.
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References cited
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Holloway, S. et al. (eds), 2004, Best Practice Manual from SACS—Saline Aquifer CO2 Storage Project. Issued by Statoil Research
Center, Trondheim, Norway, 18 and 33.
Henthorn, B., Wilson, T., and Wells, A., 2007, Subsurface Characterization of a Carbon Sequestration Pilot Site: San Juan Basin:
Poster Presentation, 2007 Annual AAPG Convention, Long Beach CA
Horne et al., 2002, Planning, acquiring and processing a walkaround VSP for fracture induced anisotropy: EAGE conference and
Exhibition.
Huang & Won, 2000, Conductivity and susceptibility mapping using broadband electromagnetic sensors: Environmental and
Engineering Geophysics
Lorenz & Cooper, 2003, Tectonic setting and characterization of natural fractures in Mesaverde and Dakota reservoirs of the San
Juan Basin: New Mexico Geology, vol. 25.
Rabus et al., 2004, INSAR monitoring of the Alaska pipeline following the November, 2002 earthquake: International Pipeline
conference.
Rabus et al., 2004, Interferometric point target analysis of RadarSay-1 data for deformation monitoring at the Beridge/Lost Hills Oil
fields: International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium conference.
Ramos & Davis, 1997, 3D AVO analysis and modeling applied to fracture detection in coalbed methane reservoirs: Geophysics, vol.
62, no. 6.
Schroot, B., 2003, Seismic Anomalies Indicating Leakage: examples from the Southern North Sea: in Abstracts AAPG 88th Annual
meeting, 11-14 May 2003, Salt Lake City.
Schroot, B., 2004, How can injected CO2 be monitored? OSPAR Workshop, Trondheim, Netherlands Institute of Applied Geoscience,
National Geological Survey, TNO.
Schroot, B., 2005, Surface and subsurface expressions of gas seepage to the seabed – examples from the southern North Sea: Marine
and Petroleum Geology (vol 22).
Schlumberger, 2002, FMI, Borehole geology, geomechanics and 3D reservoir modeling:
www.slb.com/media/services/evaluation/geology/fmi.pdf
Schlumberger, 2005, Sonic scanner, acoustic scanning platform:
www.slb.com/media/services/evaluation/petrophysics/acoustic/sonic_scanner.pdf
Thompson et al., 2002, Seismic fracture characterization of a sandstone reservoir – Rangely Field, CO: SEG conference &
Exhibition.
Toelle, B., Pekot, L., and Mannes, R., 2007, CO2 EOR from a north Michigan Silurian reef: Proceedings paper, Society of Petroleum
Engineers SPE-111223-PP, 6p.
Van der Meer et al., 2002, Remote sensing and petroleum seepage: a review and case study: Terra Nova, v. 14.
Winthaegen, P., 2005, Monitoring Subsurface CO2 Storage: Oil and Gas Technology – Rev IFP (vol 60).
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Supplemental Slide
Technical Approach - Subsurface Mapping
Huerfanito Bnt.
Fruitland Base
Kirtland-Ojo Alamo Unc.
Fruitland Isopach
Technology Reference:
Henthorn, B., Wilson, T., and Wells, A., 2007, Subsurface Characterization of a Carbon
Sequestration Pilot Site: San Juan Basin: Poster Presentation, 2007 Annual AAPG Convention
THW 05/20/2008
Supplemental Slide –
Fracture Trace/Orientation Analysis
Canyon Development
Injection
Well
Upper Sand
Middle Sand
Resistant
Sands of the
Site Mesa
Shale Interval
Seep
undercutting
resistant
sandstone
Sapping and
headword
erosion of
canyons
Technology Reference:
Lorenz & Cooper, 2003, Tectonic setting and
characterization of natural fractures in Mesaverde and
Dakota reservoirs of the San Juan Basin: New Mexico
Geology, vol. 25.
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Supplemental Slide - Field Mapped Fracture Trace Orientations/
General Recommendations for Additional Monitoring
Injection Well
West Rim
Master joints and
secondary less
systematic joint sets
provide a “noisier”
database
Southeast Rim
Local fracture systems control canyon development and trend
THW 05/20/2008
Supplemental Slide –
Technology Approach –Radar Interferometry (INSAR) Subsidence Detection
Satellite radar images were collected and processed to determine
whether differential subsidence related to oil and gas production
could be detected over the region. Localized subsidence
differentials might imply decoupling along local fracture
zones/faults
1 RADARSAT archive image and 3 newcollects were processed for this evaluation.
View times spanned the January 2004 and
October 2006 period and included images
collected on
January 22, 2004
August 15, 2006
October 2, 2006
October 26, 2006
Technology reference –
MacDonald, Detwiler and Associates Ltd, 2007, Evaluation of InSAR Technology for
Monitoring Ground Movement in New Mexico: report prepared for Tom Wilson, June, 2007.
THW 05/20/2008
Supplemental Slide
Radar Interferometry (INSAR) Test for Subsidence Detection
In this longer term
differential we see some
unusual features cross
cutting the canyon flanks
of the mesa on which the
pilot well will be located.
Injection Well
Local Display August 15 to October 26,
2006, Vertical Differentials
Technology reference –
Rabus et al., 2004, Interferometric point target analysis of RadarSay-1 data for deformation monitoring at the Beridge/Lost
Hills Oil fields: International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium conference.
THW 05/20/2008
Supplemental Slide
SWP VSP monitoring efforts for CO2 detection
Cuba Mesa
Nacimiento
Ojo Alamo
Upper K
Middle K
Lower
Kirtland
Fruitland Fm.
Pictured Cliffs
Lewis Shale
VSP Ray tracing suggests we will
have a high amplitude response
from the Fruitland coal section.
THW 05/20/2008