Upward migration of anthropogenic CO2 and vertical finite element
mesh resolution in a layered sedimentary basin
A. Comerlati, M. Ferronato, G. Gambolati, M. Putti, P. Teatini
Dept. Mathematical Methods and Models for Scientific
Applications, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
ABSTRACT
A possible option for the greenhouse effect mitigation is the disposal of
anthropogenic CO2 into deep geological formations. Reliable
numerical finite element models are required to simulate correctly the
basic processes which underlie and control the safe storage of
CO2 of industrial origin. The large saline aquifers of the
Northern Adriatic basin appear to be promising porous bodies to sequester
a significant amount of CO2 produced by nearby thermoelectric
plants. In the present communication the influence on the upward
CO2 migration of local clay units within a permeable formation
is investigated. Finite element simulations are performed to address the
gas break-through in a silt/shale lens embedded in a realistic Northern
Adriatic aquifer where anthropogenic CO2 is injected. The
vertical mesh resolution is shown to impact quite significantly on the
upward CO2 flow and emphasizes the need for a properly refined
mesh to ensure reliable confinement prediction.
