Effect of permeability heterogeneity on the dissolution process during carbon dioxide sequestration in saline aquifers: two-and three-dimensional structures

Abstract The convection–diffusion process of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) dissolution in a saline reservoir is investigated to shed light on the effects permeability heterogeneity. Using sequential Gaussian simulation method, random fields two and three-dimension (2D 3D) structures are generated. Quantitative (average amount dissolved CO flux) qualitative (pattern velocity streamlines) measurements used investigate results. A 3D structure shows slightly higher flux than 2D homogeneous condition. Results indicates an increase standard deviation nodes enhances efficiency, fluctuations flux, separation between different realizations from same input parameters, tendency toward more jagged convective fingers’ shape. Furthermore, distance increases efficiency structure. degree freedom results chance escaping low zones reduces interactions fingers systems. With variance correlation length nodes, connectivity high permeable cases less that cases; therefore, overestimate real heterogeneous structures, which should be considered carefully. Article Highlights sequestration three dimensional aquifers investigated. conditions show structures. overestimates over reservoirs.