Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a proven technology to reduce CO₂ emissions and permanently trap it in geological formations deep underground.
Project Eos will solicit community input for a proposed Commercialization Plan to develop a CO₂ storage corridor in Southern Colorado.
To locate an ideal location, a geologic sampling well is drilled to validate the structural integrity and CO₂ storage capacity of a geologic storage location. A protected well bore is used to conduct several studies. Data collected include:
FLUID SAMPLES
Collect samples from potential underground sources of drinking water, which according to EPA guidelines, are aquifers with a salinity (salt content) of less than 10,000 parts per million.
CORE SAMPLES
Collect geologic core during drilling to conduct lab analysis to understand reservoir and confining zone properties.
WIRELINE LOG DATA
Collect wireline log data to characterize all formations for the entire storage complex.
VALIDATE DATA & FORMATION
Integrate learnings into 3D geocellular model to evaluate CO₂ storage footprint and migration.
Geologic Sampling Well
The EPA’s Class VI well requirements are designed to protect underground sources of drinking water. CO₂ injection wells use higher-grade casing and CO2-resistant cement to ensure containment.
Each casing layer is pressure tested to certify integrity
The cement bond log verifies proper sealing with no leaks
Real-time monitoring during injection includes pressure gauges at well bore to watch for any CO₂ leaking
Aquifer Protection
Closeup (not to scale)
The actual distance of a typical injection well starts at the surface and travels over 4,000 feet underground.
CO₂ Injection Well
CO₂ injection wells are required to deploy several monitoring systems to ensure the CO₂ remains in the containment zone over 4,000 feet below the surface.
What makes an ideal CO₂ storage complex?
CONTAINMENT
Sealed container (sealing or cap rocks above the storage zone)
CAPACITY
More than enough space to hold all the injected CO₂
STABILITY
No geologic faults in the surrounding rock
DEPTH
Ample barriers between the storage zone and sources of drinking water
CHEMISTRY
Rock compatible with CO₂ injection and fluid over 10,000 mg/l total dissolved solids
PRESSURE
Injection pressure won’t break rock layers