Abstract
In this study, we identify the key length and time scales associated
with CO2 mineralization in basalt reservoirs. This is achieved through
the development and application of a simple yet complete model of the
fate and transport of a supersaturated CO2-charged fluid moving
unidirectionally through an initially uniform basalt rock. The model
consists of three coupled equations describing, (i) the spatiotemporal
evolution of porosity with the mineralization reaction, (ii) the
resulting temporal and spatially varying fluid discharge, and (iii) the
fate and transport of the mineralization reactant(s) in the aqueous
phase. A dimensional analysis provides length and time scales that
characterize the extent and duration of field-scale carbon
mineralization. These scales are applied to a field site to estimate
poorly constrained mineralization parameters, notably, the effective
first-order reaction rate constant.