Numerical modelling of highly saline wastewater disposal in Northeast British Columbia

Matthew S. Simons, Diana M. Allen, Dirk Kirste, Laurie A. Welch

In the proceedings of: GeoOttawa 2017: 70th Canadian Geotechnical Conference; 12th joint with IAH-CNC

Session: Groundwater Contamination

ABSTRACT: Saline wastewater derived from oil and gas related activity is commonly disposed of via injection into deep aquifers, but wastewater migration is poorly monitored and understood. Variable fluid density induced by temperature and solute concentration differences can influence the shape and extent of the resulting wastewater plumes. In this study, a simple base case model for the disposal of wastewater in a deep aquifer (modeled after the Paddy-Cadotte of Northeast British Columbia) is presented. The extent and morphology of the wastewater plume differ from what would be predicted using a porosity volumetric calculation approach which may be applied to estimate plume extent.

RÉSUMÉ: Les eaux usées salines dérivées de l'activité liée au pétrole et au gaz sont généralement éliminées par injection dans des aquifères profonds, mais la migration des eaux usées est mal surveillée et comprise. La densité de fluide variable induite par la température et les différences de concentration de soluté peut influencer de manière significative la forme et l'étendue des panaches d'eaux usées résultantes. Dans cette étude, un modèle de cas de base simple pour l'élimination des eaux usées dans un aquifère profond (inspiré du Paddy-Cadotte du nord-est de la Colombie-Britannique) est présenté. L'étendue et la morphologie du panache des eaux usées diffèrent considérablement de ce qui serait prévu en utilisant les techniques actuelles de l'estimation de l'industrie.

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Cite this article:
Matthew S. Simons; Diana M. Allen; Dirk Kirste; Laurie A. Welch (2017) Numerical modelling of highly saline wastewater disposal in Northeast British Columbia in GEO2017. Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Geotechnical Society.

@article{geo2017Paper217,author = Matthew S. Simons; Diana M. Allen; Dirk Kirste; Laurie A. Welch,title = Numerical modelling of highly saline wastewater disposal in Northeast British Columbia,year = 2017}