Lattice Boltzmann simulation of CO2 mineral dissolution mechanisms in heterogeneous shale pore structures
Abstract
Carbon dioxide mineral dissolution in shale formations represents a promising mechanism for enhancing hydrocarbon recovery and achieving CO2 geological storage. However, the strong heterogeneity of shale reservoirs renders this process highly complex. To address this, this investigation incorporates shale heterogeneity by constructing three distinct pore types: dissolution pores, intergranular pores, and fracture pores. Furthermore, a coupled multi-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model is developed to simulate the associated CO2-mineral dissolution dynamics. The results demonstrate that in homogeneous models, dissolution intensifies with increasing Péclet and Damköhler numbers, revealing a positive feedback loop among mineral dissolution, channel expansion, and flow focusing. In heterogeneous models, however, this positive feedback is suppressed. It is observed that pore space complexity increases while heterogeneity decreases during dissolution, along with significant improvements in flow velocity, porosity, and permeability. These findings provide novel insights into the dissolution patterns governing CO2-shale interactions. This study therefore enhances CO2 storage efficiency, and improves oil recovery, assisting in the generation of cleaner energy and higher energy security.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
2-1-2026
Volume
146
Publication Title
Gas Science and Engineering
Publisher
Elsevier
School
Centre for Sustainable Energy and Resources / School of Engineering
Funders
National Natural Science Foundation of China (42172159, 52404048, 42302143 ) / Frontier Interdisciplinary Exploration Research Program of China University of Petroleum, Beijing (2462024XKQY002)
Copyright
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Comments
Zhao, W., Luo, L., Wang, H., Dai, J., Xia, Y., Iglauer, S., & Cai, J. (2025). Lattice Boltzmann simulation of CO2 mineral dissolution mechanisms in heterogeneous shale pore structures. Gas Science and Engineering, 146, 205823. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgsce.2025.205823