Application of 4D Geomechanical Modelling for Fault Critical Re-Active Stress Evaluation in CO2 Storage

Abstract

AbstractIn order to provide effective guidance for optimizing and adjusting the maximum operation pressure and dynamic monitoring well pattern of underground gas storages and ensure the operation safety of gas storages. With the continuous enhancement demand for resources is also growing. At the same time, with the rapid development of industry, the industrial waste gas led by CO2 has also caused great harm to the environment. Therefore, to solve the above two problems, it is crucial to accelerate the construction of underground gas storage, safe and efficient extraction of oil and gas reservoirs, and geological storage of CO2. As a critical technology for the construction of underground gas storage, oil and gas field exploitation, and geological storage of CO2, many scholars have carried out research on fault stability in terms of complex stratigraphic stress environment, lithologic contrasts on both sides of the fault, mudstone smear content, fracture mechanics and so on, and have made many vital understandings and progresses. However, with the development of oil and gas fields and geological sequestration of CO2, the problem of fault destabilization caused by fluid injection, leading to fault activation and, thus, oil and gas leakage, has become increasingly prominent. Fault destabilization activation will not only form a possible path for oil and gas leakage and cause fault seal failure but also may cause a series of safety problems. There have been many major oil and gas leaks caused by fault slipping at home and abroad, resulting in many casualties and property damage. Therefore, studying the fault activation and seal failure caused by fluid injection is urgent.