Abstract:

Mineral deposition has reduced the injection rates in an injection well at the Salton Sea geothermal field. Scanning electron microscope images combined with emiquantitative energy dispersive analyses show that the scale deposits found in cuttings from Elmore IW3 RD-2 consist of layers of barite and fluorite and minor anhydrite, amorphous silica and copper arsenic sulfides. Geochemical modeling using TOUGHREACT has been initiated to further assess the behavior of the injection fluids and their effects on well performance. A onedimensional model is used to simulate injection into sandstone containing a fracture zone with 95% porosity. Initial models predict that barite is the mineral responsible for porosity declines when silica and bicarbonate are removed from theinjection fluid. This prediction is consistent with the observed mineral relationships

Abstract:

Technological advances have made data interpretation possible that was not possible in the past,
and in the process have rendered the conceived concepts from previous technologies invalid.
Natural state modeling is one technology that has made such advances. It is now possible to
easily and accurately render geologic, structural, geophysical, geochemical and mineralogical
information in manipulatable 3D software platforms, creating a more meaningful representations
of geothermal reservoirs and detailed conceptual models. Additionally, there have been
advancements in the understanding of the correlation of these types data with temperature.
Therefore, even with limited direct data (e.g. temperature surveys from wells), more accurate 3D
temperature maps and surfaces can be developed over a larger area in a new geothermal field,
with a combination of direct and indirect data, much earlier in the exploration process. A more
robust analysis through numerical modeling is possible, if the elements of the conceptual model
are captured.
Using a numerical simulator, every assumption used in building the conceptual model separately
is tested within the context of a physical system to verify that the model is internally consistent
and conforms to the laws of physics. Numerical modeling includes the fourth dimension, of time,
as the field starts from nothing and must develop in the model. Understanding what forces led to
a particular temperature value at a particular location, beyond the static measurement at that
location, allows for holistic understanding of a dynamic system. Results of the natural state
modeling force changes to the conceptual model to allow the temperature to develop through
time, into the current temperature configuration. The results can also alter the expected
temperature distribution to a larger, smaller or different shape. The numerical simulation
becomes part of the geological modeling effort in an iterative process where the combined effort
is greater than the sum of its parts.

Abstract:

Sustainable energy generation is crucial to meet the energy demands in 21st century while keeping the implications of future challenges at its core philosophy. A geothermal power generation plant is one of such avenues that meets the associated challenges by utilizing the thermal energy stored in the earth to generate clean power. The energy acquired in the process, termed as the geothermal energy, has the highest baseload due to its independence of seasonal actors (e.g., sunlight, winds, cloudiness). Despite such huge potential, different factors such as limited access to thermal resources, high capital costs, and operational risks during drilling the geothermal wells have constrained its widespread development. This article describes the challenges and technological needs associated with the geothermal drilling. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of the ongoing efforts to overcome the problems associated with the drilling fluid properties and drilling tools operational limitations is presented. By studying the different components involved in the geothermal well construction, we can understand the challenges of this operation. Also, this article can provide insight into the needs and technological developments necessary to address some of the most common problems associated with geothermal drilling