Characterisation of CO₂ interactions with Basal Coal Seam Intraformational Seals

Project Summary

This project will characterise the interactions that CO₂ could have with the intraformational seals within the Gippsland Basin targeted for CO₂ storage by the CarbonNet project. As described by Gibson-Poole et al. (2008) these intraformational layers consist of siltstones, shales and coals some of which are believed to be laterally extensive. The project will perform a series of experiments which will characterise the CO₂ seal behaviour of the coals of these intra-formational layers. The project will use a core flooding technique that is directly analogous to what would happen during geological storage. This technique will estimate the CO₂ entry pressure and thus the CO₂ column height below the coals, characterising their seal potential at reservoir pressure, temperature and average triaxial stress.