Monday, March 31, 2008 : 2:20 p.m.

CO2 Sequestration in Deep, Saline Formations

Robert Gorman, NTH Consultants Ltd.

Understanding the processes involved in sequestering carbon dioxide in deep rock formations has advanced quickly in just the past few years.  This has been fueled by the need to find options to remove carbon dioxide from stationary source emissions to the atmosphere. The US Department of Energy has funded a significant study of the issue and has launched a series of seven "Carbon Sequestration Partnerships" across the country. 

 

Geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide involves permanent storage of this gas in underground formations after it has been captured from power plants or other large industrial operations. Geologic sequestration targets include depleted oil and gas fields, unmineable coal seams and deep, ‘saline’ formations.  Experience from existing enhanced oil recovery projects and underground natural gas storage projects provide valuable information to assess gas storage behavior and carbon dioxide sequestration feasibility.

 Examples and selected information from case studies from the Michigan and Illinois Basins are used to present an overview of the concept and mechanisms for sequestration in deep, saline formations..  These are useful in understanding the elements of a feasibility analysis.

Robert Gorman, NTH Consultants Ltd. Bob is a Vice President at NTH Consultants and has more than 28 years of experience in handling sites with groundwater contamination issues. For the past 12 years, he has been focusing on Brownfield redevelopment projects. He has also recently been involved in a large scale feasibility study of Carbon Dioxide sequestration in saline formations. NTH is a professional engineering and environmental services firm with a staff over 250 professionals and 7 major offices in 4 states.


2008 Ground Water Summit