CARBON CAPTURE POTENTIAL IN THE TEMBLOR FORMATION, MCKITTRICK OIL FIELD, SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN BASIN, CALIFORNIA

Greenhouse gases (GHG’s) released during the production and from the combustion of fossil fuels are causing climate change. One technology currently being implemented to reduce GHG emissions is Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS). CCS is the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) at stationary sources that produce large volumes and injecting the gas into an underground geologic reservoir for permanent storage. The most likely long term storage sites are depleted gas and oil fields, saline aquifers, and coal beds. In depleted oilfields, CCS can also help to increase production of oil (CO₂EOR). At high pressures, carbon dioxide is miscible with oil. It can increase production by increasing reservoir pressure and decreasing the viscosity of the oil, thereby increasing its mobility.

This research analyzes the potential for CCS in the sandstones of the Temblor Formation in the McKittrick oil field. The study area, located in the northeast section of the field, encompasses 1450 proved acres with over 94 wells producing from six zones within the Temblor Formation. Total CO₂ storage volume and pressure response to injection can be estimated by determining the degree of stratigraphic and structural compartmentalization of the sand bodies, correlating well logs, creating detailed cross sections and comparing pressure variations to changes in production volumes over time. The goals for this project are to determine the overall extent and reservoir quality of the sandstones, the total amount of CO₂ sequestration possible, and the potential additional oil production using CO₂ EOR.