Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Dynamic Pore-scale Reservoir-condition Imaging of Reaction in Carbonates Using Synchrotron Fast Tomography
Published on: February 21, 2017
Ganglion dynamics and its implications to geologic carbon dioxide storage
Yifeng Wang1, Charles Bryan, Thomas Dewers
1Sandia National Laboratories, PO Box 5800, Mail Stop 0779, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-0779, USA. ywang@sandia.gov
Abstract:
Capillary trapping of a nonwetting fluid phase in the subsurface has been considered as an important mechanism for geologic storage of carbon dioxide (CO(2)). This mechanism can potentially relax stringent requirements for the integrity of cap rocks for CO(2) storage and therefore can significantly enhance storage capacity and security. We here apply ganglion dynamics to understand the capillary trapping of supercritical CO(2) (scCO(2)) under relevant reservoir conditions. We show that, by breaking the injected scCO(2) into small disconnected ganglia, the efficiency of capillary trapping can be greatly enhanced, because the mobility of a ganglion is inversely dependent on its size. Supercritical CO(2) ganglia can be engineered by promoting CO(2)-water interface instability during immiscible displacement, and their size distribution can be controlled by injection mode (e.g., water-alternating-gas) and rate. We also show that a large mobile ganglion can potentially break into smaller ganglia due to CO(2)-brine interface instability during buoyant rise, thus becoming less mobile. The mobility of scCO(2) in the subsurface is therefore self-limited. Vertical structural heterogeneity within a reservoir can inhibit the buoyant rise of scCO(2) ganglia. The dynamics of scCO(2) ganglia described here provides a new perspective for the security and monitoring of subsurface CO(2) storage.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
The Carbon Cycle
Carbonation Shrinkage
The concrete's permeability is slightly reduced as calcium carbonate produced during the reaction fills its pores. Furthermore, its strength is slightly enhanced as the water released during the reaction facilitates the...
Carbon-dioxide Fixation
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Carbon Dioxide Transport in the Blood
Forms of CO2 Transport
1. Dissolved in plasma: A small percentage (7-10%) of CO2 is transported and dissolved directly in the plasma.
2. Carbaminohemoglobin: Just over 20% of CO2 is chemically bound to...
Gas Exchange and Transport

