Modeling of the Coupled Hydro-Mechanical Response of Geological Sequestration Reservoirs Due to CO2 Injection

This paper presents the results of computer modeling to predict the response of GS (Geological Sequestration) reservoirs to CO2 injection. Coupled H-M (Hydro-Mechanical) modeling is conducted using the computer code FLAC (Fast Langrangian Analysis of Continua) developed by Itasca (2011) and applied to the CO2 GS project in the In Salah Gas Field in Algeria. The modeling focused on the H-M response such as the spread of the CO2 plume, time history of pore pressure increase, and ground surface uplift, which are compared with available field monitoring data and previous modeling studies of the In Salah CO2 GS Project. In addition, the potential for mechanical failure and eventual CO2 leakage through the caprock in the In Salah field is analyzed using a critical pressure approach.