In situ continuous monitoring of dissolved gases (N2, O2, CO2, H2) prior to H2 injection in an aquifer (Catenoy, France) by on-site Raman and infrared spectroscopies: instrumental assessment and geochemical baseline establishment

Abstract

The establishment of a baseline of gases from an aquifer appears to be an essential prerequisite for monitoring and securing underground storage operations such as the storage of carbon dioxide (carbon capture and storage: CCS), methane or hydrogen. This study describes an innovative metrological technique dedicated to the in situ and continuous quantification of dissolved gases (CO₂, O₂, N₂, CH₄ and H₂) in a shallow aquifer, on the site of Catenoy (Paris Basin) with a water table at a depth of 13 m. Monitoring was carried out from May 7, 2019 to November 19, 2019, before the simulation of H₂ injection. Gases as vapors were collected from the aquifer through a nine-meter long, half-permeable polymer membrane positioned below a packer in a 25-meter deep well. Collected gases were analyzed simultaneously at the surface by fiber Raman (CO₂, O₂, N₂, CH₄ and H₂) and infrared sensors (CO₂). Gas concentrations were determined from Raman and infrared data, and then converted into dissolved concentrations using Henry's law. The dissolved gas concentrations were about constant over the 6 months period with average values of 31–40 mg L⁻¹ (CO₂), 8 mg L⁻¹ (O₂), 17 mg L⁻¹ (N₂), and 0 mg L⁻¹ (H₂, CH₄) indicating a very low variability in the aquifer. This is believed to allow for rapid detection of any possible abnormal concentration variation, in particular linked to an accidental arrival of gases such as hydrogen. Such an online gas measurement system can be deployed as is on any site type of underground storage without any need for adaptation.