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Innovative Use of Broadband Sensors for Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage ('CCUS') Monitoring Applications

Description: 

Safe and effective solutions for CO₂ injection and storage are becoming increasingly more important on the global stage as we transition to net-zero. Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (“CCUS”) has been identified as a crucial tool for achieving these goals. Broadband seismometers are being utilized in all stages of the injection activity lifecycle. For example, the risks of injection-induced seismicity must be effectively managed to ensure safe operation, with passive seismic monitoring being a key component of the monitoring strategy.

Operators are making use of a mix of both sub-surface and surface stations to effectively monitor injection operations, with broadband stations being sparser in their distribution providing a cost-effective alternative and supplement to dense geophone arrays. Broadband sensors can detect lower frequencies, providing more accurate moment magnitude (M_w) estimates than geophones at larger magnitudes (M_w >2). This is important to gauge the physical size of any induced rupture and maintain the integrity of any traffic light monitoring regulations that may be in place.

Güralp Systems Ltd. (“GSL”) has developed a range of medium-motion broadband systems that focus on ease of use to allow operators to carry out real-time monitoring. The Güralp smart sensor module can operate at any angle, a novel feature of broadband seismometers, allowing it to be easily buried at depth to increase Signal-to-Noise Ratio. This mitigates the need for more costly vault installations. GSL’s Minimus digitizer platform allows for efficient real-time monitoring networks to be set up to alert for anomalous seismic events with low latency.

Such sensors have recently been utilized to establish a dense, onshore array of broadband instruments to monitor the first offshore UK CO₂ storage project at the Endurance structure. Onshore monitoring of offshore storage offers a cost-effective, real-time strategy when compared to dedicated offshore monitoring systems. However, array geometry and local geology are important considerations in establishing an array, and constraining event depths is a current challenge.

Session: Seismic Monitoring, Modelling and Management Needed for Geothermal Energy and Geologic Carbon Storage [Poster Session]

Type: Poster

Date: 5/2/2024

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: James

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: 

Authors