Research

We have active ongoing research in the following areas.

1. Coupled Fluid and Heat Flow and Reactive Transport Modeling for Predictive Wellbore Integrity
   from Fluid-Rock-Cement Interactions

   
   
   

   The porosity contour plots visualize how porosity changes in the cement-rock-brine system, where light Yellow/Beige shades indicate lower porosity and darker Orange to Brown tones represent higher porosity. (Left) plots show porosity evolution due to geochemical interactions in different wellbore-cement-brine systems under varying salinity and organic content. Geochemical interactions leading to increased porosity thus compromising wellbore integrity—along the cement–rock interface in Gulf of Mexico-like subsurface conditions. (Right) schematic shows a vertical well intersecting multiple gas and water sand layers, with cement plugs and casing layers isolating the formations. Adapted from: Ajayi, T., & Gupta, I. (2021). Long term assessment of the geochemical integrity of offshore wellbore cement – Results from numerical modeling. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 201, 108443.

2. Investigating Geochemical Wellbore Integrity using Experimental and Analytical Techniques

   
   
   

   The (top left) image shows freshly mixed cement slurry in a mold prior to curing at BJ Services Lab in Tomball (2019). The (bottom left) images display samples used for microhardness testing, before (1) and after (2) embedding in epoxy resin.

   
   
   

3. Underground Hydrogen Storage

   
   
   

   The figure maps hydrogen saturation after withdrawal in aquifers with different dip angles ranging from 0° to 60°, (showing in each row) under two boundary conditions (showing in each column): finite-acting and infinite-acting. Greater dip in finite boundaries promote higher recovery and better gas sweep. Legend shows the hydrogen saturation ranging from 0 to 0.6. Adapted from: Zamherian and Gupta, 2025, Impact of well flow dynamics and formation characteristics on underground hydrogen storage in aquifers, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 109, 2025, Pages 995-1007, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.02.161.

   
   
   

4. Methane Emissions & Well Characterization – Orphan Wells

   
   
   

   Images show field measurements of methane emissions at abandoned orphan wells. (Left) Corroded well head from abandoned well. (Right) Flux chamber measurement of methane emissions from orphan wells in Louisiana. Picture courtesy: Frank Driscoll and Kanchan Maiti (LSU). Our group (Gupta - GMG) analyzes methane measurements vis-à-vis well and reservoir characteristics.

   
   
   

5. Geological Carbon Storage – Monkey Island, Louisiana
   

   
   Licensing for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) wells is advancing rapidly in Louisiana. A key site for planned storage
   is Monkey Island, the location of the Monkey Island Carbon Storage Project (MICSP), commercially known as GeoDura.
   This project is part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s CarbonSAFE Phase III initiative, with over $26 million in funding-
   primarily from the DOE. GeoDura is led by Advanced Resources International, Inc. (ARI), in collaboration with CarbonVert,
   Louisiana operator Castex, Louisiana State University (LSU), the Southern States Energy Board (SSEB), and the Bureau
   of Economic Geology (BEG). The commercial partner, OnStreamCO₂, is a joint venture between Castex and CarbonVert.
   GeoDura Carbon Storage Hub. Source: Project Landing Page | netl.doe.gov
   The project aims to establish a commercial-scale geologic CO₂ storage hub in Louisiana state waters near Monkey Island, capable of transporting and storing up to 9 million metric tons of CO₂ per year. Activities will include a comprehensive site assessment, permitting for UIC Class VI injection wells, and the development of both the storage field infrastructure and
   a robust community engagement plan. Our group is investigating cement-rock-fluid geochemical interactions to assess
   and ensure long-term barrier integrity of CCS for MICSP.
   
   
   

6. Lithium Characterization from Oil Field Brines

   
   In collaboration with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL)/Battelle Energy Alliance and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Office, we are investigating the potential for critical minerals—specifically lithium-in produced waters from oil and gas wells in the Louisiana’s Smackover Formation. Lithium (Li) production is a global priority
   due to its essential role in battery technologies and clean energy systems. The Smackover Formation, which spans from
   Texas to Florida and crosses into northern Louisiana, is a promising but understudied source. While lithium concentrations exceeding 400 ppm have been reported in brines from the Smackover in southwest Arkansas, the Louisiana segment
   remains largely unexplored.
   
   
   

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