Modelling microbially induced carbonate precipitation and its influence on CO2 and water flow in the subsurface
Abstract
A numerical model is presented which is capable of simulating and investigating the development of a microbially mediated hydraulic barrier near the injection well of a CO2 storage site. The model accounts for the transport of bacteria in the porous medium, their accumulation as biofilms, and the role they play in the increased hydrolysis of urea -- leading to the precipitation of carbonate minerals. Additionally, the influence of the precipitates and biofilm on the flow of the two fluid phases (CO2 and water) through the porous medium is accounted for. Part of the model is validated with experiments involving saturated flow through sand-packed columns. This numerical model is a useful tool for the optimisation of strategies for the proposed technology involving the use of such microbially induced barriers to increase storage security near wellbores. It also aids in improving our understanding of the relevant processes.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011AGUFM.B51J0549E
- Keywords:
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- 0419 BIOGEOSCIENCES / Biomineralization