Influence of hydrogen on the geomechanical behaviour of siliciclastic caprocks | Peng Cheng

Field/Discipline

• Geomechanics
• Geochemistry
• Energy Storage

Summary

The caprock integrity of potential hydrogen storage sites in the Netherlands will be assessed using experimental and numerical approaches. Different characterization methods including X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen gas adsorption (N₂GA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) will be performed on siltstones or claystones to compare the differences in mineral compositions, pore structures and rock surface morphologies before and after hydrogen exposure. Furthermore, three-point bending (TPB) and nano-indentation experiments will also be conducted on rock samples to determine the alterations of geomechanical properties. Importantly, several different hydrogen treatment conditions will be taken into consideration, for instance, different temperatures, pressures, treatment time and treatment media (pure hydrogen, hydrogen-water and hydrogen-brine), which is to simulate the real reservoir in-situ conditions. Lastly, the PHREEQC geochemical software would be utilized to perform the geochemical modelling of hydrogen-brine-rock interactions to test the changes in mineralogical compositions of rocks while THOUGH3 will be used to model geomechanical changes.

The aim of the study is to identify the physicochemical processes that occur in caprocks during hydrogen storage and their influences on a UHS operation.

Supervision by

• • Promotor: Prof .dr. H.A.J. (Harro) Meijer | Centre for Isotope Research (CIO), ESRIG, University of Groningen
  • Co-promotor: Dr. J.M. (Johannes) Miocic | Geo Energy, ESRIG, University of Groningen.

More information and contact details can be found on the personal profile of Peng Cheng.