Threshold pressure measurements

For the seal capacity estimation of an underground gas storage, the knowledge of the capillary threshold pressure (the entry pressure) is of crucial importance. While several experimental methods do not take into account the in situ conditions, Gesteinslabor offers a procedure for the determination of the capillary threshold pressure of a caprock under actual reservoir conditions.

The test set-up allows to measure the entry pressure under in situ conditions. Furthermore, the procedure yields steady-state brine permeability down to 10^-21 m².

The threshold pressure device is able to simulate overburden pressures of up to 50 MPa and in situ temperatures up to 125°C (± 0.1°C). As liquid phase may serve pure water, any brine or oil. Gases which might be applied include nitrogene, hydrogene or air.