Aquifer Disposal of CO sub(2)-Rich Gases: Reaction Design for Added Capacity

Aquifer disposal of carbon dioxide in an area between two coal-fired power stations is being considered in Alberta, Canada. The impact of CO sub(2) injection on mineralogy and water chemistry profiles in brackish and briney waters of carbonate and siliciclastic aquifers was analyzed. The reaction of formation water and mineralogy for a carbonate aquifer with injected CO sub(2) does not markedly increase gas uptake. Brackish and dilute formation waters can take up more CO sub( 2) relative to brine formation waters. The maximum amount of this greenhouse gas can be trapped in a siliciclastic aquifer containing brackish formation water.