Research Themes Within SCCS

The objectives within SCCS have been broken down into 6 thematic elements, described below.
Four technical thematic programmes have been identified. The location for each activity is identified although it is envisaged that there will be considerable mobility of researchers between the locations.

Theme 1: Geological modelling and reservoir simulation

Using existing reservoir simulation software in HWU and UoE to model various CO₂ storage scenarios. The generated data from other themes and by other research groups will be fed into this theme. Location at HWU IPE using existing advanced parallel cluster and visualisation technology.

Theme 2: Enhanced Oil and Gas Recovery (EOR/EGR), CO₂/Brine/Hydrocarbon Phase Behaviour and Flow Experiments.

To generate experimental data on CO₂/brine/hydrocarbon phase behaviour and flow in porous media in CO₂ storage (i.e. saline aquifers, EOR and EGR) processes. The generated data are essential for reservoir modelling and will be fed into Theme 1. It is to be noted that IPE’s first research project was on CO₂/EOR for North Sea Reservoirs in 1979 followed by another DTI & Industry funding project on CO₂ injection dissolution issues. The PVT high pressure facilities developed with Dept. of Energy funding have been in use since the seventies through ongoing public and private sector supported research. This facility, unique in the UK HE sector, however is being refurbished to enable leading edge capability and being made compatible for corrosive CO₂ water use. Also core flooding facilities are being refurbised to enable them to be CO₂-brine compatible.

Theme 3: CO₂ Reservoir Interaction

This theme is examining the interaction of the CO₂ with aquifer rock and related seal. It will investigate the acidisation and precipitation perspective of CO₂/brine dissolution and permeability alteration, using the combined resources of UoE (modelling & mineral identification and complementary experimentation) and HWU IPE (oilfield chemistry and rock mechanics) core flooding and rock mechanics expertise.

Theme 4: Aquifer Identification and monitoring

The role here will be the identification and classification of potential aquifers. It will also include examining the important perspective of monitoring the CO₂ storage process. This is a UoE and BGS activity with an UoE PdRA interacting with BGS researchers at Edinburgh and Keyworth.

IPE's hydrates group are examining the consideration of CO₂ hydrate formation from CO₂ which has escaped from a seal.

Two other horizontal themes are important dimension of SCCS's activities; International Networking and Public Awareness and Management.

Theme 5: International Networking

We consider that an important aspect in this global research area is International Networking. SCCS support is enabling researchers in the academic institutions to participate in relevant international forums where they will interact with international researchers in this CO₂ area. SCCS are active members of a number of CO₂ related networks;

European Carbon Dioxide Thematic Network	European Network of Excellence on Geological Storage of CO2	The UK Carbon Capture and Storage Consortium	Carbon Capture & Storage Association

Theme 6: Public Awareness

An important dimension is relating the issues with the general public and in particular young people for whom global climate change could become a daily reality. Acceptance of CO₂ storage is a major challenge as the general public express concerns over the long-term impacts of such processes.