ABSTRACT
The decisive criterion for the implementing of car-
bon dioxide (CO
) EGR projects is the technical or
mechanical integrity of the technical systems used to
ensure flawless and safe operations during the injec-
tion-and production phase (10-50 years) and the
subsequent retention phase (100-5,000 years). Tech-
nical integrity is typically defined (U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency; EPA 1998) as: there is
neither a “significant leak in the subsurface system”
(pressure tight) nor a “significant fluid movement
into a higher underground source of drinking water
and the biosphere” (loss free).
