Ureolysis-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (UICP) in the presence of CO2-affected brine: A field demonstration

Biomineralization is an emerging biotechnology for subsurface engineering applications like remediating leaky wellbores. The process relies on ureolysis to induce precipitation of calcium carbonate in undesired flow paths. In geologic storage of CO2, there is a potential for leakage and low pH conditions, thus, ureolysis-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (UICP) was tested at field scale to seal a channel in the wellbore cement annulus in the presence of CO2-affected brine. Conventional oil field methods were used to deliver UICP-promoting fluids downhole to the treatment zone approximately 1000 feet (305 m) below ground surface (bgs). Over 4 days, 242 L (64 gal) of heat-treated Sporosarcina pasteurii cultures (22 bailers) and 329 L (87 gal) of urea - calcium chloride solution (30 bailers) were injected. The UICP treatment resulted in a 94% reduction of injectivity and ultrasonic well logging showed a noticeable increase in the percentage of solids in the channel outside the casing, including more than 30 m (100 ft) above the injection point. Subsequent well logging 11 months after the field demonstration showed that a significant portion of the new solids remained but the seal was compromised following sustained pumping. The results of this experiment suggest that UICP can be promoted in the presence of CO2affected brine to seal leakage pathways. Additional research is required to optimize long term seal integrity to ensure storage of CO2 in geologic carbon sequestration scenarios.

Automated summary

Biomineralization is a promising biotechnology for subsurface engineering applications, relying on ureolysis to induce calcium carbonate precipitation in undesired flow paths. In CO2 geologic storage, UICP can effectively seal leakage pathways, but further research is needed to optimize long-term seal integrity.