Coupled CO2 sequestration simulation using Abaqus and Eclipse

Thermo-hydro-geomechanical (THM)-coupled physical problems widely occur in geologic carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration (GCS), which has gained increasing attention in recent years. There are many in-house and commercial software programs developed for THM-coupled numerical simulation. However, only a few programs permit large-scale, complex analysis and prediction of GCS problems. Therefore, the authors developed an in-house code named AEEA Coupler to link two industrial standard simulation software programs, Abaqus (mechanical engineering) and Eclipse (petroleum engineering), which enable THM simulation of large-scale complex geological models (including multiple fractures and faults) possible. In this paper, the authors introduce interpolation and adaptive search algorithms and data exchange techniques between different grids using reservoir analysis and finite-element mesh methods in the mechanical analysis of a reservoir. After that, the applicability and accuracy of the AEEA Coupler are tested by comparing the results with certain benchmarks. Finally, a complicated problem is identified to demonstrate the power of the AEEA Coupler in solving coupled processes in geoscience projects.

Automated summary

This paper introduces an in-house code called AEEA Coupler, which links two industrial standard simulation software programs, Abaqus and Eclipse, to enable THM simulation of large-scale complex geological models. Interpolation, adaptive search algorithms, and data exchange techniques are utilized to improve accuracy and applicability, which are validated through benchmark tests.