Kinetics of core material dissolution in the presence of inhibitors for application in geologic carbon sequestration

Abstract

With increased attention on rising carbon dioxide levels, carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) has become a commonly proposed solution. CCS has been studied for several decades, but is being researched more and more seriously as to whether it may be a viable and economically feasible long-term solution to climate change. Research conducted for this project is for application at the site of a coal fired power facility in the Black Warrior Basin of Alabama, and was funded by the DOE Recovery Act. Despite the excitement regarding CCS, some major technical obstacles exist due to the nature of working with acidic solutions and carbonate formations. This project explores the dissolution of carbonate formations while exposed to an acidic brine solution. Dissolution kinetics, with and without inhibitors, are presented and compared with modeled expectations.