ESG’s permanent and temporary microseismic monitoring capabilities are well suited for monitoring intermediate-term CO2 and waste sequestration programs. ESG has extensive experience providing successful microseismic monitoring solutions for both waste and CO2 sequestration programs as well as CO2 EOR projects.

Any sequestration program must have some form of Monitoring, Measurement and Verification (MMV) in order to:

• Ensure that injected gases stay contained in their designated storage area
• Ensure the project does not cause environmental damages
• Become aware of and address any health or safety concerns

Effective MMV is a critical component to the success of any sequestration program. Passive seismic monitoring has been recognized by the International Energy Agency (IEA) as a viable means of monitoring CO2 sequestration and verifying the integrity of the containment.

ESG uses its ResMap™ technology to monitor the microseismicity associated with carbon or waste sequestration projects. These systems can be deployed on a temporary or permanent basis to monitor the operation, as well as the longer-term integrity of the storage area. Retrievable sensor arrays can be deployed on bowsprings or proprietary clamping tools and then removed from the observation well at the end of the project. Surface arrays can also be deployed to monitor on a longer-term basis, and these units can be used to periodically conduct 3D controlled-active source surveys.
Applications include:

• Tracking and verifying the progress of the CO2 flood to ensure compliance to target zones
• Ensuring caprock/seal integrity
• Monitoring for long-term storage integrity
• Identification of migration down pre-existing fault or fracture networks
• Integration of microseismic monitoring with 4D controlled-source surveys

ESG also provides auxiliary monitoring capabilities which can be custom engineered and incorporated into any monitoring project on an ‘as-needed’ basis. They include:

• Downhole pressure and temperature sensors
• Tiltmeters
• InSAR

ESG is a member of the Midwest Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership (MRCSP) and is involved with several industry, government and NGO collaborations to develop high-value monitoring solutions to help organizations reduce their carbon footprint.

Fig. 1: Retrievable Sensor Array being deployed on bowsprings to monitor injections 

Fig. 2: Event locations and moment magnitudes