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• 21. [Image] Exploration Criteria for Low Permeability Geothermal Resources: Final Report

  	The overall project objective was to analyze low permeability geothermal systems related to high temperature plutons in the upper crust in order to ascertain those characteristics of these systems which ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Exploration Criteria for Low Permeability Geothermal Resources: Final Report Author: Norton, D. Year: 1977 The overall project objective was to analyze low permeability geothermal systems related to high temperature plutons in the upper crust in order to ascertain those characteristics of these systems which could be detected by surface and shallow subsurface exploration methods. Analyses were designed to integrate data and concepts from the literature, which relate to the transport processes, together with computer simulation of idealised systems Title: Exploration Criteria for Low Permeability Geothermal Resources: Final Report Author: Norton, D. Year: 1977 The overall project objective was to analyze low permeability geothermal systems related to high temperature plutons in the upper crust in order to ascertain those characteristics of these systems which could be detected by surface and shallow subsurface exploration methods. Analyses were designed to integrate data and concepts from the literature, which relate to the transport processes, together with computer simulation of idealised systems Close

• 22. [Image] Geothermal Resources of the Eastern United States

  	Known and potential geothermal resources of the eastern United States are reported. The resources considered are exclusively hydrothermal, and the study was confined to the 35 states east of the Rocky ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geothermal Resources of the Eastern United States Author: Renner, J.L. Year: 1979 Known and potential geothermal resources of the eastern United States are reported. The resources considered are exclusively hydrothermal, and the study was confined to the 35 states east of the Rocky Mountains, excluding the Dakotas. Resource definition in these areas is based entirely on data found in the literature and in the files of a number of state geological offices. The general geology of the eastern United States is outlined. Six relatively homogeneous eastern geologic regions are discussed (MHR) Title: Geothermal Resources of the Eastern United States Author: Renner, J.L. Year: 1979 Known and potential geothermal resources of the eastern United States are reported. The resources considered are exclusively hydrothermal, and the study was confined to the 35 states east of the Rocky Mountains, excluding the Dakotas. Resource definition in these areas is based entirely on data found in the literature and in the files of a number of state geological offices. The general geology of the eastern United States is outlined. Six relatively homogeneous eastern geologic regions are discussed (MHR) Close

• 23. [Image] Downhole Electrical Detection of Hydraulic Fractures in GT-2 and EE-1

  	Electrical geophysical methods including mise a la masse and self-potential (SP) for determination of hydraulic fracture characteristics were used at the hot dry rock geothermal project. Electrical and ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Downhole Electrical Detection of Hydraulic Fractures in GT-2 and EE-1 Author: Kintzinger, P.R. Year: 1977 Electrical geophysical methods including mise a la masse and self-potential (SP) for determination of hydraulic fracture characteristics were used at the hot dry rock geothermal project. Electrical and induction logs indicated that the resistivity contrast between the granite and 200/sup 0/C water at the 2926-m (9600-ft) depth is a factor of 1000 or more. Thus the water in a hydraulic fracture, formed to connect two adjacent deep holes, is a good conductor compared to the confining granite. Mise a la masse-type measurements were made to help determine the characteristics for hydraulic fractures formed in each of the two geothermal holes GT-2 and EE-1. Once a hydraulic fracture has been formed, mise a la masse effects are obtained both with the fracture pressurized above hydrostatic and when depressurized to hydrostatic. This indicates that once the fracture has been created, enough natural propping exists that a conductive zone persists even when the fracture is deflated. A fracture was formed in a 18-m (60-ft) zone immediately below 1957 m (6420 ft) in EE-1. Later a set of SP logs was run in this zone with no pressure, with pressure building, with pressure decreasing, and again with the fracture depressurized. Results show that during times of change of parameters in hydraulically fractured regions in the hole, natural SP logging helps to determine the position of the fracture. However, after a fracture has come to equilibrium with fluid parameters such as temperature, pressure, salinity, and pH, an effect of the fracture may not be evident. Self-potential logs provide an excellent method for locating the bottom of steel casing that has been set in the hole Title: Downhole Electrical Detection of Hydraulic Fractures in GT-2 and EE-1 Author: Kintzinger, P.R. Year: 1977 Electrical geophysical methods including mise a la masse and self-potential (SP) for determination of hydraulic fracture characteristics were used at the hot dry rock geothermal project. Electrical and induction logs indicated that the resistivity contrast between the granite and 200/sup 0/C water at the 2926-m (9600-ft) depth is a factor of 1000 or more. Thus the water in a hydraulic fracture, formed to connect two adjacent deep holes, is a good conductor compared to the confining granite. Mise a la masse-type measurements were made to help determine the characteristics for hydraulic fractures formed in each of the two geothermal holes GT-2 and EE-1. Once a hydraulic fracture has been formed, mise a la masse effects are obtained both with the fracture pressurized above hydrostatic and when depressurized to hydrostatic. This indicates that once the fracture has been created, enough natural propping exists that a conductive zone persists even when the fracture is deflated. A fracture was formed in a 18-m (60-ft) zone immediately below 1957 m (6420 ft) in EE-1. Later a set of SP logs was run in this zone with no pressure, with pressure building, with pressure decreasing, and again with the fracture depressurized. Results show that during times of change of parameters in hydraulically fractured regions in the hole, natural SP logging helps to determine the position of the fracture. However, after a fracture has come to equilibrium with fluid parameters such as temperature, pressure, salinity, and pH, an effect of the fracture may not be evident. Self-potential logs provide an excellent method for locating the bottom of steel casing that has been set in the hole Close

• 24. [Image] Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program. Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1983

  	Emphasis was on hydraulic-fracturing experiments at depths around 3.5 km (11,473 ft) in the two inclined wells of the Phase II system at Fenton Hill, New Mexico; on improved facilities and techniques for ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program. Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1983 Author: Smith, M.C. (comp.) Year: 1985 Emphasis was on hydraulic-fracturing experiments at depths around 3.5 km (11,473 ft) in the two inclined wells of the Phase II system at Fenton Hill, New Mexico; on improved facilities and techniques for mapping the source locations of acoustic signals generated by the fracturing events; on mathematical modeling of the fracture systems produced in these and earlier experiments; and on development of a family of slimline high-temperature downhole instruments that can be used within or through relatively small-diameter pressure tubing. Hydraulic fracturing at a vertical depth of approximately 3500 m (11,500 ft) in well EE-2, the deeper well, produced fractures that, in acoustic maps, appear to occupy a large, roughly ellipsoidal volume whose major axis is directed to the north of the other well, EE-3. Hydraulic fracturing from EE-3 at a similar depth produced another set of fractures that appear to be approximately parallel to and centered about 180 m (600 ft) east of the earlier set. Subsequent fluid injections reduced the distance between the two sets, but no hydraulic connection between them was established. Modeling the silica concentrations of fluid circulated through the earlier Phase I system indicates that this type of permeation also contributes significantly to heat extraction during system operation. The precision and accuracy of locating the sources of acoustic signals detected during hydraulic-fracturing operations have been increased by improvements in equipment, drilling of another deep hole for geophone emplacement, and additional station calibrations. Analysis of the signals has also been improved and broadened. Development of slimline downhole instruments has included a detonator tool, a geophone package, and final design of a high-temperature borehole acoustic televiewer. A crosswell acoustic transceiver has also been developed for investigating rock type and structure between wellbores. 32 refs., 35 figs. Title: Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program. Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1983 Author: Smith, M.C. (comp.) Year: 1985 Emphasis was on hydraulic-fracturing experiments at depths around 3.5 km (11,473 ft) in the two inclined wells of the Phase II system at Fenton Hill, New Mexico; on improved facilities and techniques for mapping the source locations of acoustic signals generated by the fracturing events; on mathematical modeling of the fracture systems produced in these and earlier experiments; and on development of a family of slimline high-temperature downhole instruments that can be used within or through relatively small-diameter pressure tubing. Hydraulic fracturing at a vertical depth of approximately 3500 m (11,500 ft) in well EE-2, the deeper well, produced fractures that, in acoustic maps, appear to occupy a large, roughly ellipsoidal volume whose major axis is directed to the north of the other well, EE-3. Hydraulic fracturing from EE-3 at a similar depth produced another set of fractures that appear to be approximately parallel to and centered about 180 m (600 ft) east of the earlier set. Subsequent fluid injections reduced the distance between the two sets, but no hydraulic connection between them was established. Modeling the silica concentrations of fluid circulated through the earlier Phase I system indicates that this type of permeation also contributes significantly to heat extraction during system operation. The precision and accuracy of locating the sources of acoustic signals detected during hydraulic-fracturing operations have been increased by improvements in equipment, drilling of another deep hole for geophone emplacement, and additional station calibrations. Analysis of the signals has also been improved and broadened. Development of slimline downhole instruments has included a detonator tool, a geophone package, and final design of a high-temperature borehole acoustic televiewer. A crosswell acoustic transceiver has also been developed for investigating rock type and structure between wellbores. 32 refs., 35 figs. Close

• 25. [Image] Transient well testing in two-phase geothermal reservoirs

  	A study of well test analysis techniques in two-phase geothermal reservoirs has been conducted using a three-dimensional, two-phase, wellbore and reservoir simulation model. Well tests from Cerro Prieto ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Transient well testing in two-phase geothermal reservoirs Author: Aydelotte, S.R. Year: 1980 A study of well test analysis techniques in two-phase geothermal reservoirs has been conducted using a three-dimensional, two-phase, wellbore and reservoir simulation model. Well tests from Cerro Prieto and the Hawaiian Geothermal project have been history matched. Using these well tests as a base, the influence of reservoir permeability, porosity, thickness, and heat capacity, along with flow rate and fracturing were studied. Single and two-phase transient well test equations were used to analyze these tests with poor results due to rapidly changing fluid properties and inability to calculate the flowing steam saturation in the reservoir. The injection of cold water into the reservoir does give good data from which formation properties can be calculated. Title: Transient well testing in two-phase geothermal reservoirs Author: Aydelotte, S.R. Year: 1980 A study of well test analysis techniques in two-phase geothermal reservoirs has been conducted using a three-dimensional, two-phase, wellbore and reservoir simulation model. Well tests from Cerro Prieto and the Hawaiian Geothermal project have been history matched. Using these well tests as a base, the influence of reservoir permeability, porosity, thickness, and heat capacity, along with flow rate and fracturing were studied. Single and two-phase transient well test equations were used to analyze these tests with poor results due to rapidly changing fluid properties and inability to calculate the flowing steam saturation in the reservoir. The injection of cold water into the reservoir does give good data from which formation properties can be calculated. Close

• 26. [Image] Completion and testing report: INEL Geothermal Exploratory Well One (INEL-1)

  	INEL Geothermal Exploratory Well One (INEL-1) was drilled in search of a geothermal resource beneath the Snake River Plain for use at the Chemical Processing Plant (CPP) on the Idaho National Engineering ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Completion and testing report: INEL Geothermal Exploratory Well One (INEL-1) Author: Prestwich, S.M. Year: 1980 INEL Geothermal Exploratory Well One (INEL-1) was drilled in search of a geothermal resource beneath the Snake River Plain for use at the Chemical Processing Plant (CPP) on the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory Site. The drilling site was selected as the most promising location within reasonable distance of the CPP. The resource was thought to be located at a depth near 7500 ft (2300 m). Neither significant production nor high temperatures were noted at that depth, and the well was then drilled to 10,333 ft (3150 m) with similar findings. Rock cores, geophysical logs, and hydrologic tests of the well to date indicate that no useful geothermal resource exists at this location. Information is presented on the drilling, completion, and testing of INEL-1; IDO-10096 Title: Completion and testing report: INEL Geothermal Exploratory Well One (INEL-1) Author: Prestwich, S.M. Year: 1980 INEL Geothermal Exploratory Well One (INEL-1) was drilled in search of a geothermal resource beneath the Snake River Plain for use at the Chemical Processing Plant (CPP) on the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory Site. The drilling site was selected as the most promising location within reasonable distance of the CPP. The resource was thought to be located at a depth near 7500 ft (2300 m). Neither significant production nor high temperatures were noted at that depth, and the well was then drilled to 10,333 ft (3150 m) with similar findings. Rock cores, geophysical logs, and hydrologic tests of the well to date indicate that no useful geothermal resource exists at this location. Information is presented on the drilling, completion, and testing of INEL-1; IDO-10096 Close

• 27. [Image] Planning, Drilling, Logging, and Testing of Energy Extraction Hole EE-1, Phases I and II

  	Energy Extraction Hole No. 1 (EE-1) is the second deep hole drilled into the Precambrian-age granitic rocks of the Jemez Mountains of north-central New Mexico. EE-1 was drilled to intersect a hydraulic ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Planning, Drilling, Logging, and Testing of Energy Extraction Hole EE-1, Phases I and II Author: Pettitt, R.A. Year: 1977 Energy Extraction Hole No. 1 (EE-1) is the second deep hole drilled into the Precambrian-age granitic rocks of the Jemez Mountains of north-central New Mexico. EE-1 was drilled to intersect a hydraulic fracture extending outward from near the bottom of previously drilled hole GT-2, thus completing the underground circulation loop required for the hot dry rock geothermal energy extraction experiment. Directional drilling techniques were used to intersect the fracture zone. In addition, high-temperature instrumentation and equipment development, hydraulic fracturing experiments, pressure-flow testing of the fracture systems, and fracture mapping and borehole-ranging technique activities were conducted. The drilling, logging, and testing operations in EE-1 are described Title: Planning, Drilling, Logging, and Testing of Energy Extraction Hole EE-1, Phases I and II Author: Pettitt, R.A. Year: 1977 Energy Extraction Hole No. 1 (EE-1) is the second deep hole drilled into the Precambrian-age granitic rocks of the Jemez Mountains of north-central New Mexico. EE-1 was drilled to intersect a hydraulic fracture extending outward from near the bottom of previously drilled hole GT-2, thus completing the underground circulation loop required for the hot dry rock geothermal energy extraction experiment. Directional drilling techniques were used to intersect the fracture zone. In addition, high-temperature instrumentation and equipment development, hydraulic fracturing experiments, pressure-flow testing of the fracture systems, and fracture mapping and borehole-ranging technique activities were conducted. The drilling, logging, and testing operations in EE-1 are described Close

• 28. [Image] Research on the Physical Properties of Geothermal Reservoir Rock. Quarterly Report.

  	Laboratory measurements of thermal conductivity and capillary pressure have been undertaken for samples of Cenozoic Volcanic rocks collected from the Columbia Plateau Volcanic basin. These measurements ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Research on the Physical Properties of Geothermal Reservoir Rock. Quarterly Report. Author: Skokan, C.K. Year: 1978 Laboratory measurements of thermal conductivity and capillary pressure have been undertaken for samples of Cenozoic Volcanic rocks collected from the Columbia Plateau Volcanic basin. These measurements were performed at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. Various methods of measuring thermal conductivity were investigated and finally a flash method was chosen. The equipment was constructed and tested. The results were favorable. Numerous capillary pressure curves were obtained by use of the mercury injection technique. These curves indicate pore structure: pore size, pore distribution, pore volume, and pore geometry. Measurements of this type help to explain variations in rock properties such as seismic velocities and resistivities Title: Research on the Physical Properties of Geothermal Reservoir Rock. Quarterly Report. Author: Skokan, C.K. Year: 1978 Laboratory measurements of thermal conductivity and capillary pressure have been undertaken for samples of Cenozoic Volcanic rocks collected from the Columbia Plateau Volcanic basin. These measurements were performed at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. Various methods of measuring thermal conductivity were investigated and finally a flash method was chosen. The equipment was constructed and tested. The results were favorable. Numerous capillary pressure curves were obtained by use of the mercury injection technique. These curves indicate pore structure: pore size, pore distribution, pore volume, and pore geometry. Measurements of this type help to explain variations in rock properties such as seismic velocities and resistivities Close

• 29. [Image] Exploration Methods for Hot Dry Rock. Report of the Panel Held June 22, 1976

  	The geological and geophysical characteristics of hot dry rock (HDR) necessary for an effective exploration program were discussed. The type of HDR project discussed, that being developed by the Los Alamos ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Exploration Methods for Hot Dry Rock. Report of the Panel Held June 22, 1976 Author: West, F.G. (comp.) Year: 1977 The geological and geophysical characteristics of hot dry rock (HDR) necessary for an effective exploration program were discussed. The type of HDR project discussed, that being developed by the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (LASL), would utilize hydraulic fracturing to develop a large surface area in rock of low permeability, 10/sup -6/ darcys, and at temperatures greater than 200/sup 0/C. A better definition of the thermal regime in the crust and mantle at reconnaissance (hundreds to tens of kilometers) and exploration (tens of kilometers to 1 km) scales is needed. Geophysical methods capable of deep investigation would be used with the near-surface geologic information to extrapolate conditions at the depth of interest. Detection of HDR per se may be difficult because the contrast in physical properties of HDR and other rock is not always unambiguous, but boundaries between rock environments can be delineated. When patterns and coincidence of various types of geophysical anomalies and geologic maps are used, the probability of the detection of HDR is greatly increased, especially when a consistent picture is described. Various geophysical methods are required to detect these anomalies: (a) electromagnetic techniques can map deep electrically conductive structures, which to some extent can be used to infer isotherms. (b) Bouguer gravity maps corrected for regional topography are found to correlate with large silicic intrusive bodies, which are often associated with high heat flow. (c) isotherms and open crack systems at depth can be inferred from seismic wave attenuations, dispersions, and delay times. (d) heat flow measurements are useful as a primary tool and as a check on the results of other methods. Abstracts for individual presentations by the twelve panel members are included. 111 references Title: Exploration Methods for Hot Dry Rock. Report of the Panel Held June 22, 1976 Author: West, F.G. (comp.) Year: 1977 The geological and geophysical characteristics of hot dry rock (HDR) necessary for an effective exploration program were discussed. The type of HDR project discussed, that being developed by the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (LASL), would utilize hydraulic fracturing to develop a large surface area in rock of low permeability, 10/sup -6/ darcys, and at temperatures greater than 200/sup 0/C. A better definition of the thermal regime in the crust and mantle at reconnaissance (hundreds to tens of kilometers) and exploration (tens of kilometers to 1 km) scales is needed. Geophysical methods capable of deep investigation would be used with the near-surface geologic information to extrapolate conditions at the depth of interest. Detection of HDR per se may be difficult because the contrast in physical properties of HDR and other rock is not always unambiguous, but boundaries between rock environments can be delineated. When patterns and coincidence of various types of geophysical anomalies and geologic maps are used, the probability of the detection of HDR is greatly increased, especially when a consistent picture is described. Various geophysical methods are required to detect these anomalies: (a) electromagnetic techniques can map deep electrically conductive structures, which to some extent can be used to infer isotherms. (b) Bouguer gravity maps corrected for regional topography are found to correlate with large silicic intrusive bodies, which are often associated with high heat flow. (c) isotherms and open crack systems at depth can be inferred from seismic wave attenuations, dispersions, and delay times. (d) heat flow measurements are useful as a primary tool and as a check on the results of other methods. Abstracts for individual presentations by the twelve panel members are included. 111 references Close

• 30. [Image] Economic factors relevant for electric power produced from hot dry rock geothermal resources: a case study for the Fenton Hill, New Mexico, area

  	The case study described here concerns an HDR system which provides geothermal fluids for a hypothetical electric plant located in the Fenton Hill area in New Mexico's Jemez Mountains. Primary concern ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Economic factors relevant for electric power produced from hot dry rock geothermal resources: a case study for the Fenton Hill, New Mexico, area Author: Cummings, R.G Year: 1979 The case study described here concerns an HDR system which provides geothermal fluids for a hypothetical electric plant located in the Fenton Hill area in New Mexico's Jemez Mountains. Primary concern is focused on the implications of differing drilling conditions, as reflected by costs, and differing risk environments for the potential commercialization of an HDR system. Drilling costs for best, medium and worst drilling conditions are taken from a recent study of drilling costs for HDR systems. Differing risk environments are represented by differing rate-of-return requirements on stocks and interest on bonds which the HDR system is assumed to pay; rate of return/interest combinations considered are 6%/3%, 9%/6%, 12%/9% and 15%/12%. The method of analysis used here is that of determining the minimum busbar cost for electricity for this case study wherein all costs are expressed in annual equivalent terms. The minimum cost design for the electric generating plant is determined jointly with the minimum cost design for the HDR system. The interdependence between minimum cost designs for the plant and HDR system is given specific attention; the optimum design temperature for the plant is shown here to be lower than one might expect for conventional power plants - in the range 225/sup 0/ to 265/sup 0/C. Major results from the analyses of HDR-produced electricity in the Fenton Hill area are as follows. With real, inflation-free debt/equity rates of 6% and 9%, respectively, the minimum busbar cost is shown to lie in the range 18 to 29 mills/kwh. When real debt/equity rates rise to 12% and 15%, busbar costs rise to 24 to 39 mills/kwh.; DOE/ET/27017-T1 Title: Economic factors relevant for electric power produced from hot dry rock geothermal resources: a case study for the Fenton Hill, New Mexico, area Author: Cummings, R.G Year: 1979 The case study described here concerns an HDR system which provides geothermal fluids for a hypothetical electric plant located in the Fenton Hill area in New Mexico's Jemez Mountains. Primary concern is focused on the implications of differing drilling conditions, as reflected by costs, and differing risk environments for the potential commercialization of an HDR system. Drilling costs for best, medium and worst drilling conditions are taken from a recent study of drilling costs for HDR systems. Differing risk environments are represented by differing rate-of-return requirements on stocks and interest on bonds which the HDR system is assumed to pay; rate of return/interest combinations considered are 6%/3%, 9%/6%, 12%/9% and 15%/12%. The method of analysis used here is that of determining the minimum busbar cost for electricity for this case study wherein all costs are expressed in annual equivalent terms. The minimum cost design for the electric generating plant is determined jointly with the minimum cost design for the HDR system. The interdependence between minimum cost designs for the plant and HDR system is given specific attention; the optimum design temperature for the plant is shown here to be lower than one might expect for conventional power plants - in the range 225/sup 0/ to 265/sup 0/C. Major results from the analyses of HDR-produced electricity in the Fenton Hill area are as follows. With real, inflation-free debt/equity rates of 6% and 9%, respectively, the minimum busbar cost is shown to lie in the range 18 to 29 mills/kwh. When real debt/equity rates rise to 12% and 15%, busbar costs rise to 24 to 39 mills/kwh.; DOE/ET/27017-T1 Close