Final year engineering students investigate carbon capture and storage solutions to reduce emissions
For their honours project, Bachelor of Engineering (Petroleum) students Liam Alchin and Andre Lymn investigated how to ensure a gas reservoir would be suitable for the injection and long term storage of CO2.
In other words – they are figuring out how effectively we can inject carbon dioxide in the ground instead of releasing it into the atmosphere, as a way of decreasing carbon emissions. Their project focuses on the physical and chemical issues associated with injecting CO2 into a field in the Cooper Basin.
Liam and Andre said that working on this project was challenging but provided a valuable framework from which they can begin their careers in professional industry.
“The opportunity to work on a laboratory based project provided us with a practical understanding of concepts learnt throughout our degree. As well as developing our time management and problem solving skills when dealing with unexpected delays and issues,” they said.
What are some applications of carbon capture and storage?
“Our project is directly relatable to many carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in sandstone reservoirs throughout the world. It can be used to help provide insight into the potential problems that are associated with the injection of CO2,” Liam and Andre said.
What are we excited about?
Carbon capture and storage is a hot topic as it provides an effective and safe method for reducing CO2 emissions. With Liam and Andre’s project being one of the first of its kind, it opens doors to future research opportunities.
Demonstrating the the high interest in this research, Liam and Andre have also had their project selected for presentation in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA in February 2022 at the SPE International Conference and Exhibition on Formation Damage Control.
Where can you see more?
The team will be showcasing their project at Ingenuity – an interactive showcase of university student projects exploring real-life applications of architecture, engineering, computer and mathematical sciences. Come and say hello at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 26 October under the Future Energy and Resources theme. Registrations essential!