Metrological assessment of on-site geochemical monitoring methods within
an aquifer applied to the detection of H2 leakages from
deep underground storages
Abstract
To manage potential risks due to H2 leaks into the
near-surface geosphere from H2 underground storages
(e.g. salt caverns, aquifer), reliable monitoring methods along with a
precise knowledge of the geochemical environmental impacts are
necessary. Thus, the evolution of some prominent parameters in soil and
aquifers can be determined: gas concentrations, redox potential, ionic
balance and trace elements. As part of the ROSTOCK’H project, Ineris
simulated H2 leakage by injection of dissolved
H2 into a shallow aquifer (~20 m deep)
in an experimental site within the Paris basin. This experiment aimed to
testing advanced monitoring techniques and studying hydrogeochemical
impacts at shallow depths. The aquifer water has calcium-bicarbonate
facies and a neutral pH. Eight piezometers were aligned over 80 m
according to the aquifer main flow (west-east). Hydrogeochemical
monitoring devices were set up. One of the piezometers was equipped with
a completion connected to a Raman probe and a specific Mid-IR cell for
continuous measurement of aqueous gases. At the experiment outset, 5
m3 of water were extracted from the aquifer to be
saturated with H2 under atmospheric conditions, before
being reinjected through the injection well. About 100
LSTP of dissolved H2 (concentration of
1,8 mg/L) was injected in the aquifer. The H2 injection
was preceded by the injection of underground water containing tracers
(He(aq), uranine and LiCl) in order to warn the
H2 plume arrival in the piezometers located downstream
of the injection well. The concentrations of aqueous gases (He,
H2, N2, O2,
CO2, H2S and CH4) were
measured in a control piezometer (20 m upstream) and in six piezometers
up to 60 m downstream. Thus, the maximum H2 contents
were detected up to 20 m downstream of the injection well: 0.6 mg/L at 5
m, 0.17 mg/L at 7 m then 1.8 µg/L of H2 at 10 and 20 m
during the first week. Following the H2(aq) addition,
the aquifer physico-chemistry has been modified: low increase in pH,
high decrease in redox potential and O2(aq). These
results confirm the feasibility of detecting and monitoring
H2 in shallow aquifers in very low concentration
conditions and highlight the potential impacts. This is of first
importance for establishing the surveillance and security aspects
related to with H2 storage.