Abstract
Salting due to formation dry-out around CO2 injection wells in saline aquifers may decrease injectivity and increase fracturing risks. We have designed and conducted CO2 injection experiments with field relevant geometry, flow and boundary conditions. The results based on pressure readings and observation of precipitate indicate that injectivity decline is likely due to salting in the near-well region, and that backflow of reservoir brine may exacerbate the problem, in line with theoretical predictions. The results may contribute to recommendations for injection well shut-in periods to limit the risk of injectivity decline.