Every carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project is unique, and yet all of them share geotechnical challenges with EOR and underground gas storage, where Schlumberger has partnered with operators for decades. Our proven portfolio of solutions and lab services address storage, injectivity, containment, and monitoring challenges.

Storage evaluation relies on accurate definition of porosity. Our combinable magnetic resonance (CMR) family can determine accurate lithology-independent porosity. Initial pressure and reservoir fluids also play an important role, and obviously we don’t want to inject CO2 into a freshwater aquifer. Our portfolio of reservoir sampling and pressure services are relevant here and adaptable to challenging formations.

Achieving the best injectivity starts with identifying the most permeable zones from the CMR log, verified with dynamic mobility measurements from the formation tester. Perforating with our advanced system and charges ensures a low-skin connection to the reservoir. Step-rate testing with our fiber-optic wireline cable then establishes rate vs. pressure and confirms which zones have the best injectivity. Recording an extended pressure falloff confirms reservoir continuity over distance.

Containment begins with a robust mechanical earth model (MEM) driven by rock mechanical properties from the Sonic Scanner acoustic scanning platform and our state-of-the-art geomechanical testing of XL-Rock large-volume rotary sidewall coring service core samples. Furthermore, stress testing with our MDT modular formation dynamics tester provides direct measurement of the fracture gradient to define the optimal operating pressure.

For monitoring, technologies like our Isolation Scanner cement evaluation service verify the placement of cement, while validating the casing integrity. And our Pulsar multifunction spectroscopy service enables monitoring the migration of CO2 and fluid contacts in the formation and behind casing.

As the energy industry is changing, Schlumberger is committed to providing solutions, so together, we can achieve more sustainable energy production.