Aquaterra Energy unveils integrity solution for CCS sites

The integrated solution from the Norwich-based company provides monitoring of sub-surface fibre optic seismic arrays, plus dissolved CO₂ gas detection via solar or wave powered remote data transmission nodes between the seabed and surface.

In a statement, Ben Cannell, innovation director at Aquaterra Energy said: “CCS is essential for supporting our global transition to net zero by safely storing harmful emissions that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere or combined with carbon negative technologies that remove atmospheric CO₂  thereby reducing the global CO₂ debt. We’re committed to playing our part in making this process as secure as possible.”

Deployed in remote locations within the injection site block, permanently installed shallow bore hole fibre optic arrays allow repeat seismic surveys to be completed on demand.

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According to Aquaterra, this process will provide evidence that the storage site is performing as expected against the baseline engineering and seismic data, during and post CO₂ injection.

The CO₂ plume can be tracked and its migration within the formation compared against predictions and storage site expectations. If deviations arise, it allows for proactive measures to be taken such as reducing or stopping injection, or diverting injection to alternative well centres.

Additional security is provided by dissolved gas sensors whereby a reactive alarm system identifies actual CO₂ leaks into the water column through a patent-pending approach. The sensors will detect and compare dissolved gas percentages combined with current speed, direction and other node location data to identify the location and extent of a suspected leak. The data is transmitted onshore via satellites for analysis and verification.

“Critical to the success of offshore CO₂ storage is the ability to guarantee the performance of the storage formation and prevent leaks before they happen via intelligently generated field data and planning,” said Cannell. “I’m delighted to be working on an innovative solution that provides that market confidence.”