• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.374-386
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• 1991

Various factors affecting the teachability of Cs-137 in cement matrix have been investigated. Factors investigated include such as pressure curing, vibration curing, pressure leaching, the effect of the clay addition, ion-exchange resin(IRN-77) addition, and $CO_2$or air injection. Leaching experiments were conducted by the method recommended by IAEA. To analyze the experimental results, pore structure analysis of cement matrices was carried out by BET method. Cement matrices may not contact directly with underground water in real repository, since the surroundings of disposed drums are filled with backfill. Thus, the effect of backfill to the teachability has been investigated. The well-known diffusion theory was utilized to predict long term leach rate and cumulative fraction leached of Cs-137 or non-radioactive species.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.15 no.2 s.55
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• pp.145-156
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• 2005

MODFLOW, 3-D finite difference code, is widely used to model groundwater flow and has been used to assess the effect of excavations on the groundwater system due to construction of subways and mountain tunnels. The results of numerical analysis depend on boundary conditions, initial conditions, conceptual models and hydrogeological properties. Therefore, its accuracy can only be enhanced using more realistic and field oriented input parameters. In this study, SA(simulated annealing) was used to integrate hydraulic conductivities from a few of injection tests with geophysical reference images. The realizations of hydraulic conductivity random field are obtained and then groundwater flows in each geostatistically equivalent media are analyzed with a numerical simulation. This approach can give probabilistic results of groundwater flow modeling considering the uncertainty of hydrogeological medium. In other words, this approach makes it possible to quantify the propagation of uncertainty of hydraulic conductivities into groundwater flow.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.181-191
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• 2016

In geological storage of $CO_2$, the behavior of $CO_2$ is influenced by pore network of rock. In this study, the drilling cores from Pohang Basin were analyzed quantitatively using three-dimensional images acquired by X-ray micro computed tomography. The porosities of sandstone specimens around 740 m-depth (T1), 780 m-depth (T2) and 810 m-depth (T3) which were target strata were 25.22%, 23.97%, 6.28%, respectively. Equivalent diameter, volume, area, local thickness of pores inside the sandstone specimens were analyzed. As a result, the microstructural properties of T1 and T2 specimens were more suitable for geological storage of $CO_2$ than those of T3 specimens. The result of the study can be used as input data of the site for decision of injection condition, flow simulation and so on.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2015.05a
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• pp.244-244
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• 2015

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) in the form of Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) systems are being applied for numerous water augmentation projects both in developed and developing countries. Given the onset of Climate Change and its influence on weather patterns and land use, it has been acknowledged the utilization of this technology will be ever increasing. This technique like all others does have its drawbacks or disadvantages, whereby to overcome these drawbacks or disadvantages it is recommended that logical planning process be followed. In this study, we developed a decision framework known as "Decision framework for the planning, designing, construction/testing and implementation of subsurface water storage system" to further standardize the planning and design process of subsurface water storage system to increase the probability of having a successful ASR/ASTR project. The formulation of this framework was based on earlier frameworks, guidelines, published papers and technical reports which were compiled into a data collection database. The database of which consider both qualitative and quantitative aspect for example recharge objectives, site location, water chemistry of the native, source and recovered water, aquifer characteristics(hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, porosity), injection/pumping rate, ecological constraints, societal restrictions, regulatory restrictions etc. The assimilation of these factors into a singular framework will benefit the broad spectrum of stakeholder as it maps the chronological order under which ASR project should be undertaken highlighting at each stage the feasibility of the project. The final stage of which should result in fully operational ASR system. The framework was applied to two case studies and through the application of a modified ASR site selection suitability index (Brown et al., 2005) a score was derived to identify the performance of each site. A high score of which meant a maximize chance of success given the reduce presence of project constraints.

• Journal of Navigation and Port Research
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.79-85
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• 2019

Climate change is a very vital issue that can be no longer avoided. Korea has been a top-level country Iin dealing with carbon dioxide emissions since 1960. Many studies have been conducted to suppress or eliminate carbon dioxide emissions, which account for a large portion of greenhouse gases. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), the most practical method of them, plays a significant role. However, these methods have the disadvantage of the limits of geographical distribution and high possibility of re-emission into the atmosphere. Recently, ocean storage has been studied using Accelerated Weathering of Limestone (AWL), a technique for storing carbon dioxide in the ocean as an alternative to CCS, an underground storage. AWL is a method of converting carbon dioxide into concentrated water in the form of bicarbonate ion and discharging it to the ocean to dilute and store it. It does not cause re-emission to the atmosphere, and the discharged concentrated water increases the alkalinity of the ocean to prevent marine acidification. The objective of this study was to understand the behavior of DIC (Dissolved Inorganic Carbon) including carbon dioxide during the ocean discharge of bicarbonate ion concentrated water in AWL method. This study area was set near Ulleung-do where sufficient water depth and operational efficiency were secured. CORMIX model was used to calculate the material diffusion by submerged discharge using ship.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.670-691
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• 2018

This study presents the research results of the BMT(Benchmark Model Test) simulations of the DECOVALEX-2019 project Task B. Task B named 'Fault slip modelling' is aiming at developing a numerical method to predict fault reactivation and the coupled hydro-mechanical behavior of fault. BMT scenario simulations of Task B were conducted to improve each numerical model of participating group by demonstrating the feasibility of reproducing the fault behavior induced by water injection. The BMT simulations consist of seven different conditions depending on injection pressure, fault properties and the hydro-mechanical coupling relations. TOUGH-FLAC simulator was used to reproduce the coupled hydro-mechanical process of fault slip. A coupling module to update the changes in hydrological properties and geometric features of the numerical mesh in the present study. We made modifications to the numerical model developed in Task B Step 1 to consider the changes in compressibility, Permeability and geometric features with hydraulic aperture of fault due to mechanical deformation. The effects of the storativity and transmissivity of the fault on the hydro-mechanical behavior such as the pressure distribution, injection rate, displacement and stress of the fault were examined, and the results of the previous step 1 simulation were updated using the modified numerical model. The simulation results indicate that the developed model can provide a reasonable prediction of the hydro-mechanical behavior related to fault reactivation. The numerical model will be enhanced by continuing interaction and collaboration with other research teams of DECOVALEX-2019 Task B and validated using the field experiment data in a further study.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.371-388
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• 2023

A stratum with a complex composition and a distributed low-permeability soil layer is difficult to remediate quickly because the soil remediation does not proceed easily. For efficient purification, the permeability should be improved and the soil remediation agent (H₂O₂) should be injected into the contaminated section to make sufficient contact with the TPH (Total petroleum hydrocarbons). This study analyzed a method for crack formation and effective delivery of the soil remediation agent based on pneumatic fracturing, plasma blasting, and vacuum suction (the PPV method) and compared its improvement effect relative to chemical oxidation. A demonstration test confirmed the effective delivery of the soil remediation agent to a site contaminated with TPH. The injection amount and injection time were monitored to calculate the delivery characteristics and the range of influence, and electrical resistivity surveying qualitatively confirmed changes in the underground environment. Permeability tests also evaluated and compared the permeability changes for each method. The amount of soil remediation agent injected was increased by about 4.74 to 7.48 times in the experimental group (PPV method) compared with the control group (chemical oxidation); the PPV method allowed injection rates per unit time (L/min) about 5.00 to 7.54 times quicker than the control method. Electrical resistivity measurements assessed that in the PPV method, the diffusion of H₂O₂2 and other fluids to the surface soil layer reduced the low resistivity change ratio: the horizontal change ratio between the injection well and the extraction well decreased the resistivity by about 1.12 to 2.38 times. Quantitative evaluation of hydraulic conductivity at the end of the test found that the control group had 21.1% of the original hydraulic conductivity and the experimental group retained 81.3% of the initial value, close to the initial permeability coefficient. Calculated radii of influence based on the survey results showed that the results of the PPV method were improved by 220% on average compared with those of the control group.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.67-72
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• 2006

Injection of $CO_2$ into underground saline formations, due to their large storage capacity, is probably the most promising approach for the reduction of $CO_2$ emissions into the atmosphere. $CO_2$ storage must be carefully planned and monitored to ensure that the $CO_2$ is safely retained in the formation for periods of at least thousands of years. Seismic methods, particularly for offshore reservoirs, are the primary tool for monitoring the injection process and distribution of $CO_2$ in the reservoir over time provided that reservoir properties are favourable. Seismic methods are equally essential for the characterisation of a potential trap, determining the reservoir properties, and estimating its capacity. Hence, an assessment of the change in seismic response to $CO_2$ storage needs to be carried out at a very early stage. This must be revisited at later stages, to assess potential changes in seismic response arising from changes in fluid properties or mineral composition that may arise from chemical interactions between the host rock and the $CO_2$. Thus, carefully structured modelling of the seismic response changes caused by injection of $CO_2$ into a reservoir over time helps in the design of a long-term monitoring program. For that purpose we have developed a Graphical User Interface (GUI) driven rock physics simulator, designed to model both short and long-term 4D seismic responses to injected $CO_2$. The application incorporates $CO_2$ phase changes, local pressure and temperature changes. chemical reactions and mineral precipitation. By incorporating anisotropic Gassmann equations into the simulator, the seismic response of faults and fractures reactivated by $CO_2$ can also be predicted. We show field examples (potential $CO_2$ sequestration sites offshore and onshore) where we have tested our rock physics simulator. 4D seismic responses are modelled to help design the monitoring program.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.105-115
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• 2021

The geological CO2 sequestration in underground geological formation such as deep saline aquifers and depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs is one of the most promising options for reducing the atmospheric CO2 emissions. The process in geological CO2 sequestration involves injection of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) into porous media saturated with pore water and initiates CO2 flooding with immiscible displacement. The CO2 migration and distribution, and, consequently, the displacement efficiency is governed by the interaction of fluids. Especially, the viscous force and capillary force are controlled by geological formation conditions and injection conditions. This study aimed to estimate the effects of surfactant on interfacial tension between the immiscible fluids, scCO2 and porewater, under high pressure and high temperature conditions by using a pair of proxy fluids under standard conditions through pendant drop method. It also aimed to observe migration and distribution patterns of the immiscible fluids and estimate the effects of surfactant concentrations on the displacement efficiency of scCO2. Micromodel experiments were conducted by applying n-hexane and deionized water as proxy fluids for scCO2 and porewater. In order to quantitatively analyze the immiscible displacement phenomena by n-hexane injection in pore network, the images of migration and distribution pattern of the two fluids are acquired through a imaging system. The experimental results revealed that the addition of surfactants sharply reduces the interfacial tension between hexane and deionized water at low concentrations and approaches a constant value as the concentration increases. Also it was found that, by directly affecting the flow path of the flooding fluid at the pore scale in the porous medium, the surfactant showed the identical effect on the displacement efficiency of n-hexane at equilibrium state. The experimental observation results could provide important fundamental information on immiscible displacement of fluids in porous media and suggest the potential to improve the displacement efficiency of scCO2 by using surfactants.

• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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• v.21 no.12
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• pp.35-41
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• 2020

Recently, underground spaces have been developed variously due to the concentration of the building structure in downtown area and reconstruction of the apartment. However, various problems such as differential settlement are occurring in the waterproof and reinforcement construction. In grouting method, which is frequently used for the ground reinforcement, quality control was performed by measuring the injection quantity of grouting materials and performing laboratory tests using boring samples, but it is difficult to determine whether the ground reinforcement has been performed properly during the construction stage. In order to solve this problem, a research is needed to carry out quality control by measuring electric resistivity after grouting is performed using grouting materials mixed with conductive materials. In this research, as a basic study of the new grouting method using conductive materials, uniaxial compression tests were performed using cement specimen with 0, 3, 5, 7% of carbon fiber to evaluate the effect of conductive material on the performance of grouting material. Based on the test results, the uniaxial compressive strength is increased with the mixed proportion of the carbon fiber increase. Furthermore, the carbon fiber can also affect on the early-strength of the grouting materials.