Complex reactions between fluid and rock components

Topic of this project is to study the behavior of impure CO₂, containing industry-related levels of sulfur and nitrogen oxides and oxygen, with potentially rock-forming minerals. The reactions between the gases, the formation waters and natural mineral phases as a function of pressure and concentration were characterized, as well as the intermediates and stable final products. The SO₂ and NO₂ content in CO₂ and the resulting formation of sulfuric and nitric acid can accelerate the alteration of the solid phases significantly. In particular, the dissolution of carbonates was visually documented with both pure and impure scCO₂. With the exception of formation of gypsum after the interaction of anhydrite and scCO₂+NO₂ no precipitation of secondary minerals was detected. The results are a necessary basis for the reliable estimation and modeling of the complex interactions between liquid and solid phases, which take place in the underground during and after the sequestration of CO₂.

Contact:

Prof. Jörg Erzinger (German Research Centre for Geosciences GFZ)
Dr. Mónica Fernanda Vásquez Parra (University of Potsdam / German Research Centre for Geosciences GFZ)

SEM images show the corrosive effect of scCO₂+SO₂ on calcite.

Experimental setup. Autoclaves in which the mineral-fluid mixture is stirred.
Material: Hastelloy ® C-22 with an additional Teflon coating (MagnaCoat 1508).

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