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}Abstract:
One of the key findings of the 2014 Petroleum Practices Technology Transfer Committee report led by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) was that the geothermal drilling process lacked proper data collection while drilling, data integration, and analysis of such data. The lack of this essential engineering, well planning, and construction tool seemingly adds a significant amount of time to the 12-day additional non-productive time (NPT) at average per well while drilling geothermal wells versus oil and gas wells out of the 42 wells studied of the comparable order of magnitude of construction complexity. Geothermal Resource Group (GRG) has recently been involved in the construction of a well for a unique domestic enhanced geothermal system (EGS) observation drilling project (FORGE Utah) and was able to implement a hydraulic surface torque data collection system on a mechanical rig to analyze the MSE (mechanical specific energy). This paper presents the collection, evaluation, and the post-mortem comparison of the MSE to the drilling history, parameters, and changes in general lithological structures of this well.
Abstract:
Loss of circulation while drilling a Geothermal well is very common, because typically geothermal formations are highly fractured or poorly consolidated; these conditions inherently lead to lost circulation. These potential ‘thief’ zones may allow drilling fluid (and later, casing cement slurry) to enter the formation instead of circulating back to surface
When losses occur, lost circulation material is typically applied first, followed by cement plugs. Lost circulation cement plugs are used to isolate the well bore from highly porous or fractured zones that are under-pressured.
Cement plugs may be used to seal lost circulation zones, allowing drilling to continue through and below the loss zone with good returns to surface. Innovative drift plug technologies may be used in place of conventional balanced plug methods, achieving better results in severe loss zones.
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