Abstract
Adoption of geological sequestration as one of the main options for reducing carbon emissions to the atmosphere resulted in the intensification of research on various aspects relating to such a solution. The choice of structures for the potential storages must be preceded by a detailed characterization process. In addition to the appropriate location, capacity and injectivity, the most important issue is the proper seal, preventing the migration of injected CO2 into overburden, and ultimately to the atmosphere. The process of granting licenses for the injection of CO2 will require to confirm the sealing capacity of caprock by means of laboratory tests.
In response to current trends and requirements in the laboratory of the Faculty of Drilling, Oil and Gas of AGH UST in Krakow the apparatus for direct examination of the sealing efficiency of poorly permeable. rocks, acting as seal rocks, was created according to current standards. This article discusses the mechanism of capillary seal and basic laboratory methods for determining the capillary threshold pressure for CO2. The authors present the results of preliminary tests on shale samples with different permeabilities.