The Core Analysis for Carbon Capture and Geological Storage Training Course by Institute For Oil & Gas Training develops the technical capabilities required to evaluate subsurface formations for secure, long-term carbon dioxide storage. As the oil and gas industry expands its involvement in carbon capture, utilisation and storage, organisations require reliable core analysis methods to understand reservoir quality, assess storage capacity, evaluate containment integrity and predict the interaction between injected CO2 and geological formations.
Geological carbon storage is an increasingly important component of industrial decarbonisation strategies. Oil and gas companies, energy operators, geological service providers and carbon storage developers are applying their existing subsurface expertise to identify suitable storage formations, assess injection performance and establish reliable monitoring programmes. However, successful carbon storage depends on more than identifying a potentially suitable geological structure. It requires detailed knowledge of the physical, petrophysical, geochemical and mechanical properties of reservoir rocks and their surrounding formations.
Core samples provide direct geological evidence that supports these decisions. Laboratory measurements of porosity, permeability, fluid saturation, mineral composition, pore structure and mechanical strength establish the foundation for reliable CO2 storage rock characterization. When integrated with well logs, seismic interpretation, formation pressure data and geological models, core analysis provides essential information for assessing storage formation permeability, reservoir connectivity, injectivity and containment performance.
This Core Analysis for Carbon Capture and Geological Storage course addresses the technical skills gap between conventional petroleum core analysis and the specialised requirements of geological carbon storage. Traditional reservoir evaluation focuses heavily on hydrocarbon production, whereas carbon sequestration assessment requires additional attention to CO2 phase behaviour, geochemical reactions, mineral alteration, pressure development, caprock integrity and long-term storage security. Understanding these differences is essential for organisations transitioning depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs and developing saline aquifer storage projects.
A central component of the programme is understanding CO2-rock interaction under representative reservoir conditions. Injected carbon dioxide interacts with formation fluids and minerals through physical, chemical and geochemical processes. These interactions influence pore structure, mineral stability, permeability, wettability and the mechanical behaviour of reservoir and sealing formations. Accurate laboratory testing helps technical teams identify potential changes in formation properties and understand their implications for injection operations and long-term containment.
The course also examines caprock evaluation as a fundamental requirement of geological storage development. Caprocks provide the primary geological barrier against upward CO2 migration. Their effectiveness depends on properties such as pore-throat distribution, capillary entry pressure, permeability, mineral composition, fracture characteristics and mechanical behaviour. Core-based investigations provide direct evidence for evaluating sealing capacity and identifying geological uncertainties that require additional investigation.
Institute For Oil & Gas Training connects established petroleum engineering practices with the requirements of carbon storage projects. Participants develop a structured understanding of core acquisition, sample preparation, laboratory testing, data quality assurance, geochemical analysis and integrated formation evaluation. The programme also explores the interpretation of experimental results within geological models and storage development plans.
The training is particularly relevant to depleted oil and gas reservoirs and deep saline formations, where reliable subsurface characterisation supports storage site selection, injection planning and containment assessment. It considers the importance of representative sampling, preservation of core integrity, appropriate laboratory conditions and the interpretation of measurements in relation to in-situ pressure and temperature.
By completing this programme, participants strengthen their ability to translate laboratory measurements into operationally useful geological and engineering information. They gain the technical foundation to contribute to storage site screening, reservoir characterisation, injectivity assessment, caprock evaluation and risk management.
For organisations developing carbon capture and geological storage capabilities, the programme supports better technical decisions throughout the storage project lifecycle. It strengthens collaboration between geologists, petrophysicists, reservoir engineers, laboratory specialists and carbon storage project teams, helping ensure that core analysis results contribute directly to safe, technically defensible and efficient storage development.
Explain the role of conventional and specialised core analysis in carbon capture and geological storage projects.
Identify the geological and petrophysical characteristics required for suitable CO2 storage formations.
Evaluate porosity, permeability, pore structure and fluid saturation using appropriate core analysis techniques.
Understand the influence of CO2-rock interaction on mineral composition, pore systems and reservoir properties.
Assess the suitability of laboratory methods for evaluating storage formation permeability.
Interpret capillary pressure, wettability and relative permeability data in relation to CO2 injection and migration.
Examine caprock properties and evaluate their significance for long-term geological containment.
Understand laboratory procedures for geochemical and mineralogical characterisation of reservoir and sealing rocks.
Assess the influence of pressure, temperature and formation water chemistry on experimental results.
Interpret geomechanical test results relevant to reservoir integrity and fracture behaviour.
Apply sample preparation, preservation and quality assurance principles to core analysis programmes.
Integrate laboratory measurements with well logs, geological models and reservoir engineering data.
Identify technical uncertainties affecting carbon sequestration assessment and storage site suitability.
Communicate core analysis findings through structured technical reports and engineering recommendations.
The Core Analysis for Carbon Capture and Geological Storage Training Course uses an applied, industry-focused methodology that combines technical instruction, laboratory interpretation, engineering case studies and collaborative problem-solving. The delivery approach reflects the multidisciplinary nature of geological carbon storage, where laboratory measurements must be interpreted alongside geological conditions, reservoir engineering requirements and containment objectives.
Participants examine the scientific and engineering principles behind core analysis for carbon storage applications. Specialist instruction covers rock properties, pore systems, fluid-rock interactions, CO2 behaviour, permeability measurements, capillary pressure and mechanical integrity. The emphasis remains on practical application and the interpretation of results for storage development decisions.
Representative case studies demonstrate how core samples are evaluated to establish reservoir and caprock properties. Participants review laboratory procedures for porosity, permeability, saturation, mineralogical composition and mechanical testing. They also examine the importance of sample preparation, preservation, testing conditions and measurement reliability.
Practical scenarios explore how CO2 interacts with formation water and mineral surfaces under different geological conditions. Participants examine dissolution, precipitation, mineral alteration and changes in pore structure. These exercises demonstrate how geochemical processes influence reservoir performance and long-term containment.
Participants work through formation evaluation scenarios involving reservoir quality, sealing capacity, capillary entry pressure and potential migration pathways. They assess how core measurements support the identification of storage intervals and the evaluation of geological barriers.
Group exercises focus on interpreting laboratory datasets and translating findings into engineering recommendations. Participants compare core properties, identify inconsistencies, assess uncertainties and discuss the implications of test results for storage capacity and injectivity.
Real-world-inspired scenarios bring together core analysis, geological interpretation and reservoir engineering. Participants evaluate how laboratory evidence contributes to site screening, injection planning, storage performance assessment and monitoring strategies. This approach develops the ability to communicate technical findings across multidisciplinary project teams.
The programme strengthens an organisation's technical capability to assess geological formations for carbon dioxide storage and make informed decisions throughout the storage project lifecycle. By improving the quality and interpretation of core analysis data, companies establish a stronger technical foundation for storage site selection, reservoir development, injection planning and long-term containment management.
Organisations develop a more systematic approach to evaluating potential storage formations. Core analysis provides direct measurements of reservoir properties, allowing technical teams to distinguish between formations with favourable storage characteristics and those requiring additional investigation.
Improved CO2 storage rock characterization supports:
More informed screening and ranking of potential storage sites.
Better understanding of reservoir heterogeneity and geological continuity.
Improved estimates of porosity, permeability and available pore volume.
More reliable evaluation of reservoir and caprock characteristics.
Better integration of laboratory measurements into geological models.
Understanding storage formation permeability and pore structure helps reservoir engineering teams evaluate injection performance and formation response. Improved interpretation of laboratory measurements supports decisions concerning injection intervals, pressure management and reservoir connectivity.
The organisation benefits from better identification of formation characteristics that influence injectivity, including permeability variations, pore-throat distribution, fluid saturation and rock heterogeneity. This improves the technical basis for injection planning and reduces reliance on assumptions unsupported by laboratory evidence.
Caprock evaluation is essential for understanding the ability of geological formations to retain injected CO2. Training strengthens the organisation's ability to interpret capillary pressure, permeability, mineral composition and geomechanical properties when assessing containment risks.
Improved technical understanding supports:
Identification of potential geological weaknesses.
Evaluation of sealing capacity and capillary entry pressure.
Better assessment of fracture-related containment concerns.
More informed investigation of possible CO2 migration pathways.
Stronger integration of laboratory findings into geological risk registers.
CO2-rock interaction influences the long-term behaviour of storage formations. Improved understanding of mineral dissolution, precipitation, fluid chemistry and pore structure changes helps organisations assess the implications of geochemical reactions.
This knowledge supports more effective selection of laboratory testing programmes and improves collaboration between geochemists, petrophysicists and reservoir engineers.
Reliable engineering decisions depend on representative samples, suitable test procedures and accurate measurements. The programme reinforces the importance of core preservation, sample preparation, laboratory documentation, equipment suitability and quality assurance.
Organisations benefit from:
More consistent core analysis procedures.
Improved traceability of laboratory measurements.
Better recognition of sampling and measurement limitations.
More effective technical review of laboratory reports.
Stronger communication between laboratory and subsurface teams.
Carbon storage projects require coordinated decisions across geology, petrophysics, reservoir engineering, geomechanics, geochemistry and environmental management. Training creates a shared technical understanding of core analysis results and their significance for storage development.
This improves the ability of multidisciplinary teams to discuss technical uncertainties, evaluate competing interpretations and develop recommendations supported by laboratory evidence.
A structured approach to core analysis helps organisations identify the laboratory measurements required for specific project decisions. It supports more focused testing programmes, reduces unnecessary duplication and improves the use of existing geological data.
The resulting benefits include better laboratory programme planning, more efficient technical reviews and stronger integration of subsurface information into project development decisions.
Organisations gain a clearer understanding of how core analysis evidence contributes to storage site characterisation, operational planning and long-term containment assessment. This strengthens technical documentation, supports internal assurance processes and improves the defensibility of engineering recommendations.
Participants develop a broader technical understanding of core analysis and its application to carbon capture and geological storage. The programme strengthens existing petroleum engineering and geoscience capabilities while introducing the specialised considerations associated with subsurface CO2 storage.
Participants develop an understanding of the differences between conventional hydrocarbon reservoir evaluation and carbon storage formation assessment. They learn how porosity, permeability, pore structure, mineralogy and fluid properties influence geological storage performance.
This knowledge supports professionals moving into carbon capture and storage projects from conventional oil and gas assignments.
Participants improve their ability to interpret laboratory measurements and understand their significance for reservoir and sealing formation evaluation. They develop a clearer understanding of how core properties relate to storage capacity, injectivity and containment.
The course develops practical knowledge of geochemical processes affecting reservoir rocks and formation fluids. Participants understand how mineral dissolution, precipitation and changes in pore structure influence storage formation characteristics.
Participants strengthen their ability to interpret the laboratory properties used to assess sealing formations. They gain a better understanding of caprock permeability, capillary entry pressure, mechanical properties and the significance of fractures and discontinuities.
Participants learn to connect laboratory evidence with geological models, reservoir engineering requirements and storage project objectives. This strengthens their ability to identify uncertainties, challenge unsupported assumptions and present technically justified recommendations.
The programme develops the ability to communicate effectively with specialists from different technical disciplines. Participants become better equipped to discuss laboratory results with geologists, reservoir engineers, laboratory personnel, geochemists and carbon storage project managers.
The knowledge gained supports professional development in:
Carbon capture and geological storage.
Reservoir characterisation and evaluation.
Petrophysical analysis.
Core laboratory management.
Geological storage site assessment.
Geochemical and geomechanical evaluation.
Subsurface project development.
Carbon storage risk assessment.
Petroleum Geologists: To improve their understanding of reservoir and caprock characteristics relevant to geological CO2 storage.
Reservoir Engineers: To interpret core analysis results for injectivity, storage capacity and reservoir performance assessment.
Petrophysicists: To integrate core measurements with well logs and formation evaluation models.
Core Analysis Specialists: To extend conventional core analysis expertise into carbon storage applications.
Core Laboratory Managers: To improve laboratory programme planning, testing procedures and data quality management.
Geochemists: To understand the laboratory evidence required to evaluate CO2-rock interaction and mineral alteration.
Geomechanical Engineers: To assess rock strength, deformation characteristics and mechanical integrity considerations.
Carbon Capture and Storage Engineers: To develop a stronger understanding of the subsurface properties governing geological storage performance.
CCUS Project Managers: To improve their understanding of technical evidence required for storage project planning and assurance.
Subsurface Development Managers: To support storage site selection, formation evaluation and multidisciplinary technical decisions.
Well Logging and Formation Evaluation Specialists: To connect core measurements with petrophysical interpretation and geological models.
Research and Laboratory Professionals: To develop their understanding of testing methods and experimental data interpretation for carbon storage.
Technical Consultants and Advisors: To strengthen their ability to evaluate and communicate geological storage assessment findings.
Senior Technical Professionals and Department Heads: To improve oversight of core analysis programmes and subsurface storage evaluation activities.
This module introduces the principles of core analysis and their application to geological carbon storage. Participants examine the geological characteristics of potential storage formations, including depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs and deep saline aquifers. The focus is on understanding how direct examination of core samples supports storage site characterisation and the evaluation of subsurface conditions.
The module explores the relationship between lithology, mineralogical composition, porosity, permeability, pore structure and geological heterogeneity. Participants examine core acquisition, preservation, description and preparation requirements, with particular attention to maintaining sample integrity and obtaining representative laboratory measurements. The module also establishes the connection between conventional petroleum core analysis and the additional requirements of carbon sequestration assessment.
Establishes principles for the identification, description and classification of rock materials and rock masses.
Addresses mineralogical composition, geological origin, structure, grain size and discontinuities.
Provides a recognised basis for consistent geological descriptions of rock cores and samples.
Supports systematic documentation of geological characteristics relevant to engineering investigations.
Provides a reference for describing reservoir and sealing rock materials used in geological storage evaluations.
Explain the role of core analysis in geological carbon storage.
Differentiate between hydrocarbon reservoir characterisation and CO2 storage evaluation.
Identify geological characteristics relevant to storage formation suitability.
Describe the importance of representative core sampling and preservation.
Interpret basic lithological, mineralogical and petrophysical properties.
Recognise the significance of pore structure and geological heterogeneity.
Apply consistent rock description principles when reviewing core analysis data.
Understand how core measurements contribute to initial storage site screening.
This module examines the petrophysical properties that control the ability of geological formations to accommodate injected CO2. Participants explore laboratory methods for measuring porosity, permeability, fluid saturation, pore volume and pore-throat characteristics. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding how these properties influence storage capacity, fluid movement and injection performance.
The module also addresses the relationship between conventional core measurements and CO2-specific laboratory investigations. Participants examine the importance of pressure, temperature, fluid composition, effective stress and saturation conditions when interpreting experimental results. The module highlights the limitations of applying conventional water-based permeability measurements directly to multiphase CO2 injection scenarios.
Provides test methods for measuring the hydraulic conductivity of saturated porous materials using a flexible-wall permeameter.
Covers testing of porous materials, including soil and rock.
Addresses the influence of effective stress and specimen conditions on hydraulic conductivity.
Establishes laboratory procedures for evaluating water flow through saturated porous materials.
Supports understanding of permeability measurement principles and laboratory data interpretation.
Uses water as the permeant fluid, so CO2-specific and multiphase testing requires additional appropriate methods.
Interpret porosity and pore volume measurements for storage formation evaluation.
Understand laboratory techniques for determining permeability.
Evaluate the influence of effective stress on measured permeability.
Distinguish between absolute, effective and relative permeability.
Interpret pore-throat characteristics and their influence on fluid movement.
Explain the significance of CO2 phase behaviour in subsurface conditions.
Understand the relationship between wettability, capillary pressure and multiphase flow.
Recognise the limitations of conventional permeability measurements in CO2 storage applications.
Relate petrophysical core analysis findings to storage formation injectivity.
This module focuses on the physical, chemical and mechanical changes associated with introducing CO2 into geological formations. Participants investigate the interaction between injected carbon dioxide, formation water and reservoir minerals, examining how these processes influence rock properties and long-term storage performance.
The module also addresses the geomechanical characteristics of reservoir and sealing formations. Participants examine rock strength, elastic properties, deformation behaviour and the influence of pore pressure and effective stress. The emphasis is on understanding how laboratory findings contribute to the assessment of formation integrity and the identification of potential storage risks.
Establishes test methods for determining the compressive strength and elastic moduli of intact rock core specimens.
Includes uniaxial and triaxial compression testing methods.
Addresses the determination of rock strength under different stress conditions.
Provides methods for determining Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio.
Supports the interpretation of intact rock mechanical properties for engineering applications.
Highlights the importance of considering differences between laboratory specimens and large-scale in-situ rock behaviour.
Explain the principal mechanisms of CO2-rock interaction.
Identify the effects of CO2 exposure on reservoir mineral composition.
Understand mineral dissolution, precipitation and geochemical alteration.
Interpret mineralogical laboratory findings.
Evaluate changes in pore structure associated with fluid-rock reactions.
Understand the purpose of uniaxial and triaxial rock strength testing.
Interpret Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio in rock mechanics.
Explain the influence of pore pressure and effective stress on formation behaviour.
Recognise mechanical and geochemical uncertainties affecting long-term storage performance.
This module examines the role of sealing formations in preventing the upward migration of injected CO2. Participants investigate the properties that determine caprock effectiveness, including permeability, pore-throat distribution, capillary entry pressure, mineralogy and geomechanical characteristics.
The module connects laboratory core analysis with geological containment assessment and storage site development. Participants examine potential migration pathways, natural fractures, faults and abandoned wells as relevant elements of a storage complex. They also consider how core analysis findings contribute to storage site characterisation, risk assessment and long-term containment planning.
Establishes requirements for the geological storage of CO2 streams.
Addresses the safe, long-term containment of injected CO2.
Covers onshore and offshore geological storage in suitable porous and permeable formations.
Includes site screening, feasibility investigation and geological characterisation.
Addresses storage project design, development and operation.
Includes preparation for project termination.
Provides a framework for considering site-specific technical risks and uncertainties.
Explain the importance of caprock integrity in geological carbon storage.
Identify the geological and petrophysical properties influencing sealing capacity.
Interpret capillary entry pressure and permeability measurements.
Understand the significance of natural fractures and geological discontinuities.
Differentiate between the principal geological trapping mechanisms.
Identify potential CO2 migration pathways.
Evaluate how core analysis supports containment risk assessment.
Understand the role of reservoir and caprock properties in storage site characterisation.
Integrate laboratory findings into carbon sequestration assessment.
Relate core analysis evidence to the requirements of geological storage projects.
The final module integrates the technical knowledge developed throughout the programme into practical carbon storage project applications. Participants examine how laboratory measurements, geological descriptions, petrophysical data, geochemical investigations and geomechanical results contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of storage formations.
The module also focuses on laboratory quality assurance, data validation, technical reporting and multidisciplinary interpretation. Participants explore how to develop appropriate core analysis programmes, review laboratory findings and communicate recommendations to support storage project decisions. The emphasis is on producing reliable technical evidence that contributes to storage site selection, injection planning and long-term containment management.
Specifies general requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories.
Addresses personnel competence and the suitability of laboratory facilities and equipment.
Establishes requirements for testing methods, method validation and equipment calibration.
Covers metrological traceability and measurement uncertainty.
Addresses quality assurance of results and technical records.
Supports reliable reporting and consistent laboratory operations.
Provides a recognised framework for demonstrating laboratory competence.
Develop an integrated core analysis workflow for carbon storage applications.
Select appropriate laboratory tests for reservoir and caprock characterisation.
Integrate petrophysical, geochemical and geomechanical measurements.
Apply quality assurance principles to core analysis activities.
Identify laboratory data limitations and measurement uncertainties.
Review and validate core analysis reports.
Interpret laboratory results in relation to storage project requirements.
Prepare technical recommendations supported by laboratory evidence.
Communicate findings effectively to multidisciplinary project teams.
Understand how core analysis contributes to storage site development and long-term containment management.
Upon successful completion of the Core Analysis for Carbon Capture and Geological Storage Training Course, attendees receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.
The certificate recognises participation in the professional training programme and completion of its learning requirements. Attendees must satisfy the course attendance requirement of at least 80% of the total programme to qualify for the Certificate of Completion.
Fees include tuition, course materials and refreshments. Need different dates or a different city? Ask about your preferred date.
This course examines the application of core analysis to geological carbon storage projects. It covers reservoir characterisation, porosity, permeability, CO2-rock interaction, geochemical testing, geomechanical properties, caprock evaluation and containment assessment. Participants learn how laboratory measurements support storage site selection, injection planning and long-term geological storage decisions.
Core analysis provides direct measurements of the physical, petrophysical, mineralogical and mechanical properties of subsurface formations. These measurements help determine storage formation quality, evaluate permeability and injectivity, understand CO2-rock interaction and assess caprock sealing characteristics. Reliable core analysis therefore provides essential evidence for evaluating storage suitability and geological containment.
The course is suitable for petroleum geologists, reservoir engineers, petrophysicists, core analysis specialists, laboratory managers, geochemists, geomechanical engineers, carbon storage engineers and CCUS project managers. It is also relevant to technical consultants and senior professionals responsible for subsurface evaluation and storage project development.
The programme covers five interconnected areas:
Fundamentals of core analysis for geological carbon storage.
Petrophysical core analysis and storage formation permeability.
CO2-rock interaction, geochemistry and geomechanical properties.
Caprock evaluation, containment integrity and geological storage assessment.
Integrated core analysis, laboratory quality assurance and storage project applications.
Each module combines technical principles, recognised standards, practical applications and defined learning outcomes.
Yes. Participants who successfully complete the programme and satisfy the minimum attendance requirement of 80% receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training. The certificate recognises their participation and completion of the professional training programme.
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