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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract

DOI: 10.1306/02252221037

Reservoir characterization and comparison of seismicity-monitoring methods at West Seminole for CO2 utilization and storage

Shawn M. McCloskey,1 Paul F. Anderson,2 and Mohammad Mirzaei3

1Occidental, Houston, Texas; [email protected]
2Occidental, Houston, Texas; [email protected]
3Occidental, Houston, Texas; [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Transitioning to a low-carbon future is now one of the industry’s most important challenges, and one opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is through development of carbon capture utilization and storage projects. This paper describes the reservoir characterization and seismic monitoring for the West Seminole San Andres unit that is located in Gaines County, Texas, on the Central Basin platform within the Permian Basin. Outcrop analogues and detailed core descriptions were used to build a high-resolution, sequence stratigraphic framework to evaluate the viability of the site for carbon storage potential. Geologic characterization consisting of core description, three-dimensional seismic interpretation, and well log correlation was performed on the reservoir interval to determine storage capacity. Hydraulic conductivity and breakthrough pressure were analyzed and calculated for the confining layers to estimate seal integrity. A review of historical seismicity from public databases reveals no past activity in the area. Installation of a surface seismic array and a downhole fiber optic cable provided independent tools for monitoring seismicity at the site. The surface array’s modeled magnitude of completeness of better than local magnitude 0.7 exceeds the California Air Resources Board requirement to inform of the potential for a magnitude 2.7 or greater event. The results of the full site characterization demonstrate that the West Seminole San Andres unit has favorable storage capacity, a robust caprock seal, and a low risk of induced seismicity.

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