CO2 Dissolution in Saline Pore Fluids and CO2 EOR

Due to ample storage capacity among various potential sites, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in deep saline formations is a promising technology for carbon mitigation that has recently been implemented in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Accurate measurements of supercritical CO2 dissolution rates in brine under various reservoir conditions is knowledge of the utmost importance.  Such data is crucial for not only assessing suitable CO2 storage sites but also successful numerical simulations for CCS processes. As a novel approach, we will utilize microfluidic platforms to accurately perform such measurements in a timely manner, while mimicking realistic reservoir conditions (at high salinity, temperature, and pressure levels). In addition, for CO2 utilization we will carry out both pore- and macro-scale investigations of CO2-EOR using different additives (e.g., polymers, foam, or/and nanoparticles) and aim at the delivery of optimal process to increase sweep efficiency and thus maximize oil recovery rate.