# Evaluating $$\hbox {CO}_2$$ CO 2 breakthrough in a shaly a caprock material: a multi-scale experimental approach | Scientific Reports

Abstract The potential of underground $$\hbox {CO}_2$$ storage relies on the sealing efficiency of an overlaying caprock that acts as a geological barrier. Shales are considered as potential caprock formations thanks to their favourable hydro-mechanical properties. In this work the sealing capacity of Opalinus Clay shale to $$\hbox {CO}_2$$ injection is studied by means of capillary entry-pressure and volumetric response. The overall objective of this work is to contribute to the safe design of a $$\hbox {CO}_2$$ injection strategy by providing a better understanding of the geomechanical response of the caprock material to $$\hbox {CO}_2$$ injection and eventual breakthrough at different scales. This is achieved by relating lab-measured hydro-mechanical properties of the studying caprock material (porosity, permeability, volumetric response) to field-related parameters (effective stress, injection pressure). A number of \(\hbox …
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