Xuehao Liu

A multilevel U-tube sampler for subsurface environmental monitoring

Sampling fluid in boreholes is always challenging from the standpoints of maintaining integrity and minimizing contamination. This paper focused on the U-tube sampling technology. Firstly, according to initial development motivation, briefly comparison was conducted with available fluid sampling technologies based on driving forces and sample quality. Then, the development history of the U-tube sampling technology was introduced, as well as a comprehensive investigation of its site applications around the world. In particular, a novel multilevel U-tube sampler was designed in China specifically for shallow subsurface, and it had been proven both technically reliable and economically feasible in several carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCS/CCUS) projects, including the Shengli CO2-enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) project, the Shenhua CCS demonstration project, and the Jilin CO2-EOR project. Finally, the benefits, drawbacks, and future developments of U-tube sampling technology were pointed out as a conclusion. The U-tube sampler used in shallow subsurface is quite suitable in dedicated monitoring projects which specifically require three-dimensional tracing and accurate fluid analysis in a long term.

U-tube based near-surface environmental monitoring in the Shenhua carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) project

The CO2 injected into deep formations during implementation of carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage (CCS) technology may leak and migrate into shallow aquifers or ground surfaces through a variety of pathways over a long period. The leaked CO2 can threaten shallow environments as well as human health. Therefore, almost all monitoring programs for CCS projects around the world contain near-surface monitoring. This paper presents a U-tube based near-surface monitoring technology focusing on its first application in the Shenhua CCS demonstration project, located in the Ordos Basin, Inner Mongolia, China. First, background information on the site monitoring program of the Shenhua CCS demonstration project was provided. Then, the principle of fluid sampling and the monitoring methods were summarized for the U-tube sampler system, and the monitoring data were analyzed in detail. The U-tube based monitoring results showed that the U-tube sampler system is accurate, flexible, and representative of the subsurface fluid sampling process. The monitoring indicators for the subsurface water and soil gas at the Shenhua CCS site indicate good stratification characteristics. The concentration level of each monitoring indicator decreases with increasing depth. Finally, the significance of this near-surface environmental monitoring technology for CO2 leakage assessments was preliminarily confirmed at the Shenhua CCS site. The application potential of the U-tube based monitoring technology was also demonstrated during the subsurface environmental monitoring of other CCS projects.