Simulation of CO2 storage in coal seams: Coupling of TOUGH2 with the solver for mechanics CODE_ASTER®

Abstract : Amongst the various geological storage options currently under consideration, CO2 storage in coal formations presents the most economic potential for middle-term spreading but also the most uncertainties and technical difficulties. This study (part of the CARBOLAB project) investigates coupled flow and mechanical processes that will take place around the injection point at the bottom of the Montsacro mine in Asturias, Spain. In order to quantify the strain and stress fields due to changes in the fluid pressure field and to account for stress/sorption dependent porosity/permeability effects, an efficient coupling between TOUGH2/EOS7C, a special module with an Extended Langmuir Sorption model, and the solver for mechanics CODE_ASTER® has been developed by BRGM.