Software for monitoring CO2 reservoirs
Post-doctoral student Edoardo Pezzulli has developed software at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) that makes it possible to monitor and optimise the safety of carbon dioxide storage in reservoirs. He founded the start-up Storra for this project.
Post-doctoral researcher and Pioneer Fellow Edoardo Pezzulli from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH) has developed software that makes it possible to continuously monitor carbon dioxide storage in reservoirs and reduce the risks involved. According to a press release, the mathematician is now endeavouring to bring his technology to market maturity. To this end, he founded the start-up Storra Dynamics GmbH with mechanical engineer Michael Liem.
“Anyone who stores CO2 has a social responsibility,” Pezzulli is quoted as saying in the press release. “The plants must be safe for generations to come. With our monitoring system, we want to prove that the risks are limited and that operation at the highest level of safety is possible.” This is because there are geological uncertainties with this type of storage. First of all, it is necessary to analyse how much carbon dioxide can be injected into the site, and then the stored gas can be monitored to ensure that it remains bound. The newly developed software will then work like a digital twin by simulating pressure, temperature and load conditions in the storage site.
Pezzuli is currently involved in the CITru pilot and demonstration project in the municipality of Trüllikon. Under the direction of ETH Zurich, the feasibility of injecting carbon dioxide through a disused borehole created by Nagra (National Co-operative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste) is being tested. The scientist is responsible for the risk assessment and the development of the monitoring plan.