An analytical-based Enhanced Analytical Simulation Tool (EASiTool) is being developed for technical and non-technical users with minimum engineering knowledge. I was involved in the development of EASiTool during first two years of the project. The purpose of EASiTool is to produce a fast, reliable estimate of storage capacity for any geological formation containing brine. The EASiTool tool will include three major features: (1) an advanced, closed-form analytical solution for pressure-buildup calculations for estimating both injectivity and reservoir-scale pressure elevation, in both closed- and open-boundary aquifers; (2) a simple geomechanical model coupled with a base model to evaluate and avoid the possibility of fracturing reservoir rocks by injecting cold, supercritical CO2 into hot formations, which can account for rock deformation too; and (3) an NPV-based optimization algorithm to integrate the brine-management process so as to maximize stakeholders’ profits, assuming carbon-storage credits.

This simple, user-friendly, analytical simulation tool will allow stakeholders in a CO2 storage project to screen geological formations and assess which reservoir might be able to accommodate their storage needs over a given period of time. Although it is intended to be user friendly, the methodology behind the EASiTool will nevertheless be using cutting-edge analytical models. Special focus will be given to integrating all features by an analytical or semianalytical form that allows for fast calculations. Full-physics numerical simulations will be used to validate analytical models, and a simulation tool will be applied to several reservoirs.

This tool could be used by private and public companies and regulators for capacity estimation of open- and closed-boundary reservoirs on the basis of prediction of pressure impact with and without brine management. The EASiTool will be complemented by uncertainty quantification techniques that will be used to assess the effect of input-parameter uncertainties on model prediction and to support risk assessment and decision making.

Figure below shows a screenshot of EASiTool after the release of 1st beta version. The EASiTool will be available to the public through the Gulf Coast Carbon Center (GCCC) website.