3D Eclipse models of the proposed Endurance CCS site incorporating the upscaled impact of capillary heterogeneity

Small-scale rock heterogeneity can cause large variations in porosity and permeability, which manifest as capillary pressure heterogeneity. Recent work has demonstrated that capillary heterogeneity can lead to variations in the upscaled multiphase flow functions.

In this work, we investigate the upscaled impact of capillary heterogeneity on CO² plume migration. We build a 3D reservoir model of the proposed Endurance CCS site in the UK following a geostatistical approach. The model incorporates publicly available geological information and core flood experimental observations. The upscaling scheme is a 3D capillary-limit upscaling scheme based on the work by Jackson & Krevor (2020). The upscaling scheme produces heterogeneous porosity, permeability, capillary pressure and relative permeability within each upscaled grid block.

We simulate CO² injection from four wells into this reservoir model using the Eclipse simulator. To investigate the impact of capillary heterogeneity on CO² plume migration, we generate Eclipse reservoir models with different degrees of heterogeneity.

The first model included in this dataset, ‘VL Zero’, incorporates a homogeneous, viscous-limit relative permeability and zero capillary pressure. This represents a model where the impact of capillary heterogeneity is disregarded.

The ‘CL Pc’ model included in this dataset represents the fully heterogeneous model, where a heterogeneous capillary-limit relative permeability and heterogeneous capillary pressure is implemented in each upscaled grid block. In this model the impact of capillary heterogeneity is fully accounted for.

Comparison of the CO² flow behaviour between these two simulations provides an insight into the flow variations due to the presence of capillary heterogeneity in the model.

The Eclipse data files provided in this dataset can be used to simulate CO² injection into the reservoir model. The accompanying .txt files provide properties for all grid blocks in the reservoir model.

Funding source: EPSRC iCase studentship with BP.