Publications by authors named "Robert Trautz"
Migration of clay fines can be a concern when less saline fluids are injected into brine-saturated sandstone formations containing clays. If the salinity near fluid injection wells decreases below a critical value, the clay fines near the injection may detach, start migrating, and finally clog the pores. This effect can cause permeability decline near the well and may rapidly reduce the well injectivity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Capturing and storing CO(2) emissions underground is a method being explored to mitigate atmospheric CO(2) levels, but it bears environmental risks such as potential leakage and groundwater contamination.
- A field study was conducted to observe the effects of dissolved CO(2) on groundwater, finding that it significantly lowered pH levels by about 3 units without raising the concentration of harmful trace elements like As and Pb above detectable limits.
- Various inorganic constituents showed initial spikes in concentration before returning to background levels, indicating quick release processes, while EPA-regulated substances remained within safe limits throughout the study.
The risk of CO(2) leakage from a properly permitted deep geologic storage facility is expected to be very low. However, if leakage occurs it could potentially impact potable groundwater quality. Dissolved CO(2) in groundwater decreases pH, which can mobilize naturally occurring trace metals commonly contained in aquifer sediments.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF