Petrobras to test CO2 reinjection for Santos basin pre-salt
Oct. 12, 2009
In November, Petrobras will start injecting high-pressure CO2 into the Miranga onshore field to test technologies for the Santos basin’s pre-salt cluster developments.
Offshore staff
RIO DE JANEIRO -- In November, Petrobras will start injecting high-pressure CO2 into the Miranga onshore field to test technologies for the Santos basin’s pre-salt cluster developments. The carbon dioxide produced at the future pre-salt fields will be re-injected into the reservoirs to boost the recovery factor, the company says.
The Miranga field project involves the geological sequestration and removal of 370 tons (336 metric tons) of CO2 from the atmosphere per day. According to the company, the technology will considerably increase the recovery percentage of the oil nestled in the field’s reservoir.
The technique is based on injecting CO2under high pressures. In this case, the CO2 works like a type of solvent that changes the properties of the oil and allows it to flow better through the reservoir-rock’s porous system.
Other alternatives, such as storage in caves or saline reservoirs, are also under analysis. The Miranga field was chosen for the tests due to its geological characteristics and site logistics.
