Two-phase Seepage Pore Pressure Diffusion Wave-saturation Model and Its Application in CO2 Geological Storage

Authors

  • Min Hao State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Safety, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
  • Bing Bai State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Safety, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
  • Lu Shi State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Safety, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
  • Hongwu Lei State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Safety, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
  • Hengtao Yang State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Safety, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
  • Duoxing Yang National Institute of Natural Hazards, Ministry of Emergency Management of China, Beijing 100085, China

Abstract

This study developed a one-dimensional coupled model of two-phase seepage and pore pressure diffusion wave-saturation interaction based on the theory of pore pressure diffusion waves. Analytical solutions for fluid saturation distribution and the leading edge position were derived, and the interaction mechanism between pore pressure and saturation fields was systematically analyzed. The study revealed the governing law of the coupling effects between pressure diffusion waves and two-phase seepage on fluid migration: in the short term, the process was  dominated by pressure-driven rapid migration, while in the long term, it approached a stable diffusion equilibrium. Through a parameter  sensitivity analysis, the critical influences of the diffusion coefficient and pore pressure on the advancement of the migration front were clarified, and the model’s applicability to CO2 geological storage was explored. The results indicate that dynamic sealing in heterogeneous reservoirs and high  permeability zones can enhance storage efficiency through a stepped injection pressure strategy. Additionally, the proposed leakage grading evaluation method offers a theoretical foundation for engineering risk management and control. This study provides a novel conceptual framework and analytical tool to ensure long-term safety and optimize the design of CO2 storage projects.

Article type: Research article

Cited as:

Hao M, Bai B, Shi L, et al. 2025. Two-phase seepage pore pressure diffusion wave-saturation model and its application in CO2 geological storage. GeoStorage, 1(1):42-55. https://doi.org/10.46690/gs.2025.01.03

Keywords:

Pore pressure diffusion wave, Two-phase seepage, Analytical solution of saturation, Leakage risk assessment, CO2 geological storage

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Published

2025-09-07

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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): September

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