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• 1. [Image] Steady-State and Transient Wellbore Temperatures during Drilling

  	An extensive literature search was made to locate technical publications and computer programs relating to wellbore temperatures during drilling operations. The search confirmed the need for knowledge ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Steady-State and Transient Wellbore Temperatures during Drilling Author: McDonald, W.J. Year: 1976 An extensive literature search was made to locate technical publications and computer programs relating to wellbore temperatures during drilling operations. The search confirmed the need for knowledge of transient and steady state circulating temperatures in the design of geothermal bits. Two approaches were used in calculating borehole temperatures. The steady state solution of Holmes and Swift was programmed and 2100 cases calculated for various borehole configurations. For transient temperature studies, calculations were made for ten borehole configurations. These calculations help emphasize the need for better high temperature bit performance and improved engineering procedures in drilling. The conclusions and recommendations are based on latest available technology for calculating wellbore temperatures Title: Steady-State and Transient Wellbore Temperatures during Drilling Author: McDonald, W.J. Year: 1976 An extensive literature search was made to locate technical publications and computer programs relating to wellbore temperatures during drilling operations. The search confirmed the need for knowledge of transient and steady state circulating temperatures in the design of geothermal bits. Two approaches were used in calculating borehole temperatures. The steady state solution of Holmes and Swift was programmed and 2100 cases calculated for various borehole configurations. For transient temperature studies, calculations were made for ten borehole configurations. These calculations help emphasize the need for better high temperature bit performance and improved engineering procedures in drilling. The conclusions and recommendations are based on latest available technology for calculating wellbore temperatures Close

• 2. [Image] Potential Uses for a High-Temperature Borehole Gravimeter

  	It is possible to design a canister to cool a borehole gravimeter for use in geothermal and high-temperature (up to 350/sup 0/C) gas wells. Repeat surveys with such a gravimeter could (1) help estimate ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Potential Uses for a High-Temperature Borehole Gravimeter Author: Hearst, J.R. Year: 1978 It is possible to design a canister to cool a borehole gravimeter for use in geothermal and high-temperature (up to 350/sup 0/C) gas wells. Repeat surveys with such a gravimeter could (1) help estimate the extent of reservoir plugging in geothermal injection well after one year of operation and (2) detect compaction of a geothermal aquifer if the change in thickness of the aquifer exceeds 1 m. The instrument could be used together with conventional logging tools to evaluate radial dependence of density around a well, or to estimate gas-filled porosity around wells drilled with mud. A high-temperature borehole gravimeter could also be used to evaluate structure and stratigraphy around geothermal and high-temperature gas wells Title: Potential Uses for a High-Temperature Borehole Gravimeter Author: Hearst, J.R. Year: 1978 It is possible to design a canister to cool a borehole gravimeter for use in geothermal and high-temperature (up to 350/sup 0/C) gas wells. Repeat surveys with such a gravimeter could (1) help estimate the extent of reservoir plugging in geothermal injection well after one year of operation and (2) detect compaction of a geothermal aquifer if the change in thickness of the aquifer exceeds 1 m. The instrument could be used together with conventional logging tools to evaluate radial dependence of density around a well, or to estimate gas-filled porosity around wells drilled with mud. A high-temperature borehole gravimeter could also be used to evaluate structure and stratigraphy around geothermal and high-temperature gas wells Close

• 3. [Image] Formation Temperature Gauge Feasibility Study. Volume II, Interim Report

  	The present status of the formation temperature gauge feasibility study is reported. It also demonstrates the feasibility of the technique in the simplified situations examined to date both analytically ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Formation Temperature Gauge Feasibility Study. Volume II, Interim Report Author: IRT Corporation Year: 1977 The present status of the formation temperature gauge feasibility study is reported. It also demonstrates the feasibility of the technique in the simplified situations examined to date both analytically and experimentally. The first section deals with the theory underlying the technique. The next three sections describe the temperature gauge, the simplified model calculations of the gauge response, and the preliminary experimental measurements performed to verify the results of the computational study. The final section describes the formation temperature test stand designed to demonstrate the feasibility of the technique in the geothermal well geometry. This test stand has been assembled and measurements of the gauge response will begin shortly. These are outlined at the end of this report Title: Formation Temperature Gauge Feasibility Study. Volume II, Interim Report Author: IRT Corporation Year: 1977 The present status of the formation temperature gauge feasibility study is reported. It also demonstrates the feasibility of the technique in the simplified situations examined to date both analytically and experimentally. The first section deals with the theory underlying the technique. The next three sections describe the temperature gauge, the simplified model calculations of the gauge response, and the preliminary experimental measurements performed to verify the results of the computational study. The final section describes the formation temperature test stand designed to demonstrate the feasibility of the technique in the geothermal well geometry. This test stand has been assembled and measurements of the gauge response will begin shortly. These are outlined at the end of this report Close

• 4. [Image] A Geological and Geophysical Study of the Geothermal Energy Potential of Pilgrim Springs, Alaska

  	The Pilgrim Springs geothermal area, located about 75 km north of Nome, was the subject of an intensive, reconnaissance-level geophysical and geological study during a 90-day period in the summer of 1979. ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Geological and Geophysical Study of the Geothermal Energy Potential of Pilgrim Springs, Alaska Author: Turner, Donald L. [ed.] Year: 1980 The Pilgrim Springs geothermal area, located about 75 km north of Nome, was the subject of an intensive, reconnaissance-level geophysical and geological study during a 90-day period in the summer of 1979. The thermal springs are located in a northeast-oriented, oval area of thawed ground approximately 1.5 km{sup 2} in size, bordered on the north by the Pilgrim River. A second, much smaller, thermal anomaly was discovered about 3 km northeast of the main thawed area. Continuous permafrost in the surrounding region is on the order of 100 m thick. Present surface thermal spring discharge is {approx} 4.2 x 10{sup -3} m{sup 3} s{sup -1} (67 gallons/minute) of alkali-chloride-type water at a temperature of 81 C. The reason for its high salinity is not yet understood because of conflicting evidence for seawater vs. other possible water sources. Preliminary Na-K-Ca geothermometry suggests deep reservoir temperatures approaching 150 C, but interpretation of these results is difficult because of their dependence on an unknown water mixing history. Based on these estimates, and present surface and drill hole water temperatures, Pilgrim Springs would be classified as an intermediate-temperature, liquid-dominated geothermal system; UAG-R-271 Title: A Geological and Geophysical Study of the Geothermal Energy Potential of Pilgrim Springs, Alaska Author: Turner, Donald L. [ed.] Year: 1980 The Pilgrim Springs geothermal area, located about 75 km north of Nome, was the subject of an intensive, reconnaissance-level geophysical and geological study during a 90-day period in the summer of 1979. The thermal springs are located in a northeast-oriented, oval area of thawed ground approximately 1.5 km{sup 2} in size, bordered on the north by the Pilgrim River. A second, much smaller, thermal anomaly was discovered about 3 km northeast of the main thawed area. Continuous permafrost in the surrounding region is on the order of 100 m thick. Present surface thermal spring discharge is {approx} 4.2 x 10{sup -3} m{sup 3} s{sup -1} (67 gallons/minute) of alkali-chloride-type water at a temperature of 81 C. The reason for its high salinity is not yet understood because of conflicting evidence for seawater vs. other possible water sources. Preliminary Na-K-Ca geothermometry suggests deep reservoir temperatures approaching 150 C, but interpretation of these results is difficult because of their dependence on an unknown water mixing history. Based on these estimates, and present surface and drill hole water temperatures, Pilgrim Springs would be classified as an intermediate-temperature, liquid-dominated geothermal system; UAG-R-271 Close

• 5. [Image] Geothermal Resource Exploration in Boise, Idaho

  	Exploratory drilling in Boise, Idaho, in the vicinity of the Boise Front Fault has confirmed the presence of a 170/sup 0/F (77/sup 0/C) geothermal resource below about 800 ft (244 m) near the Veterans ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geothermal Resource Exploration in Boise, Idaho Author: Nelson, L.B. Year: 1980 Exploratory drilling in Boise, Idaho, in the vicinity of the Boise Front Fault has confirmed the presence of a 170/sup 0/F (77/sup 0/C) geothermal resource below about 800 ft (244 m) near the Veterans Hospital of the Military Reserve Park. The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL), sponsored by the Department of Energy, drilled three exploratory slim holes and two deep exploratory test wells. Study results based on tests of the two exploratory-test wells are reported. Faulting related to the Boise Front Fault defines a major physiographic break in the area that acts as a subsurface conduit through which geothermal water circulates. Hydrologic tests indicate that rocks disturbed by the Boise Front Fault may be as much as ten times more permeable than those removed from the major structural lineament Title: Geothermal Resource Exploration in Boise, Idaho Author: Nelson, L.B. Year: 1980 Exploratory drilling in Boise, Idaho, in the vicinity of the Boise Front Fault has confirmed the presence of a 170/sup 0/F (77/sup 0/C) geothermal resource below about 800 ft (244 m) near the Veterans Hospital of the Military Reserve Park. The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL), sponsored by the Department of Energy, drilled three exploratory slim holes and two deep exploratory test wells. Study results based on tests of the two exploratory-test wells are reported. Faulting related to the Boise Front Fault defines a major physiographic break in the area that acts as a subsurface conduit through which geothermal water circulates. Hydrologic tests indicate that rocks disturbed by the Boise Front Fault may be as much as ten times more permeable than those removed from the major structural lineament Close

• 6. [Image] Geological and Geophysical Analysis of Coso Geothermal Exploration Hole No. 1 (CGEH-1), Coso Hot Springs KGRA, California

  	The Coso Geothermal Exploration Hole number one (CGEH-1) was drilled in the Coso Hot Springs KGRA, California, from September 2 to December 2, 1977. Chip samples were collected at ten foot intervals and ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geological and Geophysical Analysis of Coso Geothermal Exploration Hole No. 1 (CGEH-1), Coso Hot Springs KGRA, California Author: Galbraith, R.M. Year: 1978 The Coso Geothermal Exploration Hole number one (CGEH-1) was drilled in the Coso Hot Springs KGRA, California, from September 2 to December 2, 1977. Chip samples were collected at ten foot intervals and extensive geophysical logging surveys were conducted to document the geologic character of the geothermal system as penetrated by CGEH-1. The major rock units encountered include a mafic metamorphic sequence and a leucogranite which intruded the metamorphic rocks. Only weak hydrothermal alteration was noted in these rocks. Drillhole surveys and drilling rate data indicate that the geothermal system is structurally controlled and that the drillhole itself was strongly influenced by structural zones. Water chemistry indicates that this geothermal resource is a hot-water rather than a vapor-dominated system. Several geophysical logs were employed to characterize the drillhole geology. The natural gamma and neutron porosity logs indicate gross rock type and the acoustics logs indicate fractured rock and potentially permeable zones. A series of temperature logs run as a function of time during and after the completion of drilling were most useful in delineating the zones of maximum heat flux. Convective heat flow and temperatures greater than 350/sup 0/F appear to occur only along an open fracture system encountered between depths of 1850 and 2775 feet. Temperature logs indicate a negative thermal gradient below 3000 feet Title: Geological and Geophysical Analysis of Coso Geothermal Exploration Hole No. 1 (CGEH-1), Coso Hot Springs KGRA, California Author: Galbraith, R.M. Year: 1978 The Coso Geothermal Exploration Hole number one (CGEH-1) was drilled in the Coso Hot Springs KGRA, California, from September 2 to December 2, 1977. Chip samples were collected at ten foot intervals and extensive geophysical logging surveys were conducted to document the geologic character of the geothermal system as penetrated by CGEH-1. The major rock units encountered include a mafic metamorphic sequence and a leucogranite which intruded the metamorphic rocks. Only weak hydrothermal alteration was noted in these rocks. Drillhole surveys and drilling rate data indicate that the geothermal system is structurally controlled and that the drillhole itself was strongly influenced by structural zones. Water chemistry indicates that this geothermal resource is a hot-water rather than a vapor-dominated system. Several geophysical logs were employed to characterize the drillhole geology. The natural gamma and neutron porosity logs indicate gross rock type and the acoustics logs indicate fractured rock and potentially permeable zones. A series of temperature logs run as a function of time during and after the completion of drilling were most useful in delineating the zones of maximum heat flux. Convective heat flow and temperatures greater than 350/sup 0/F appear to occur only along an open fracture system encountered between depths of 1850 and 2775 feet. Temperature logs indicate a negative thermal gradient below 3000 feet Close

• 7. [Image] Stratigraphy and Alteration, 15 Shallow Thermal Gradient Holes, Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA and Vicinity, Millard and Beaver Counties, Utah

  	Fifteen shallow thermal gradient drill holes were recently completed by Geothermal Power Corporation (GPCR) in the vicinity of the Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA. Five holes penetrated Tertiary granitic rocks ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Stratigraphy and Alteration, 15 Shallow Thermal Gradient Holes, Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA and Vicinity, Millard and Beaver Counties, Utah Author: Hulen, J.B. Year: 1978 Fifteen shallow thermal gradient drill holes were recently completed by Geothermal Power Corporation (GPCR) in the vicinity of the Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA. Five holes penetrated Tertiary granitic rocks and Precambrian gneiss east of the KGRA. Seven holes completed entirely in alluvium near the southwestern corner of the KGRA encountered a near-surface marker horizon of Pleistocene pumice and perlite. Maximum calculated alluvial sedimentation rates since initial deposition of this pumice and perlite range from 1 foot in 12,500 years to 1 foot in 2,300 years. Three holes east of the Mineral Mountains penetrated late Cenozoic basaltic andesite beneath a thin veneer of alluvium. All 15 GPCR drill holes appear to be peripheral to a central zone of anomalously high thermal gradient and low resisitivity delineated by previous investigations. GPCR-8 and -14, however, are characterized by high heat flow and relatively abundant manganese oxide mineralization, which may reflect a favorable hydrologic system controlling thermal fluid flow at depth. These holes thus seem most encouraging for discovery of a deeper high-temperature geothermal resource Title: Stratigraphy and Alteration, 15 Shallow Thermal Gradient Holes, Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA and Vicinity, Millard and Beaver Counties, Utah Author: Hulen, J.B. Year: 1978 Fifteen shallow thermal gradient drill holes were recently completed by Geothermal Power Corporation (GPCR) in the vicinity of the Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA. Five holes penetrated Tertiary granitic rocks and Precambrian gneiss east of the KGRA. Seven holes completed entirely in alluvium near the southwestern corner of the KGRA encountered a near-surface marker horizon of Pleistocene pumice and perlite. Maximum calculated alluvial sedimentation rates since initial deposition of this pumice and perlite range from 1 foot in 12,500 years to 1 foot in 2,300 years. Three holes east of the Mineral Mountains penetrated late Cenozoic basaltic andesite beneath a thin veneer of alluvium. All 15 GPCR drill holes appear to be peripheral to a central zone of anomalously high thermal gradient and low resisitivity delineated by previous investigations. GPCR-8 and -14, however, are characterized by high heat flow and relatively abundant manganese oxide mineralization, which may reflect a favorable hydrologic system controlling thermal fluid flow at depth. These holes thus seem most encouraging for discovery of a deeper high-temperature geothermal resource Close

• 8. [Image] Equipment Development Report: Borehole-Fluid Sampling Tool

  	The design and development of a tool for collecting fluid samples from hot, deep geothermal boreholes are discussed. This tool has performed satisfactorily in the field at downhole temperatures of 200/sup ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Equipment Development Report: Borehole-Fluid Sampling Tool Author: Archuleta, J.R. Year: 1978 The design and development of a tool for collecting fluid samples from hot, deep geothermal boreholes are discussed. This tool has performed satisfactorily in the field at downhole temperatures of 200/sup 0/C and pressures of 34.5 MPa (5000 psi). Assembly and operating instructions are included Title: Equipment Development Report: Borehole-Fluid Sampling Tool Author: Archuleta, J.R. Year: 1978 The design and development of a tool for collecting fluid samples from hot, deep geothermal boreholes are discussed. This tool has performed satisfactorily in the field at downhole temperatures of 200/sup 0/C and pressures of 34.5 MPa (5000 psi). Assembly and operating instructions are included Close

• 9. [Image] Geothermal Investigations in Idaho. Part 8. Heat Flow Study of the Snake River Plain Region, Idaho

  	The Snake River Plain of Idaho has recent lava flows and a large number of thermal springs and wells. A heat flow study was initiated which, together with available geological and geophysical information, ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geothermal Investigations in Idaho. Part 8. Heat Flow Study of the Snake River Plain Region, Idaho Author: Brott, C.A. Year: 1976 The Snake River Plain of Idaho has recent lava flows and a large number of thermal springs and wells. A heat flow study was initiated which, together with available geological and geophysical information, allows a better definition of the geothermal resource and evaluation of the geothermal potential. Local geothermal anomalies were not the objects of this study and have not been studied in detail. The quality of the heat flow values obtained varies as interpretation was necessary to determine geothermal gradients for many of the holes which had disturbances. A major problem in determining the heat flow values is the lack of knowledge of the in situ porosity of the rocks. The heat flow values obtained for the Eastern Snake River Plain are from shallow wells (< 200 m), hence the heat flow there is low (< 0.5 HFU) because of the water movement in the Snake Plain aquifer. The anomalous regional heat flow pattern around the Snake River Plain, together with other geophysical and geological data, suggest the presence of a major crustal heat source. With the exception of the area of the Snake Plain aquifer, high geothermal gradients were found in all areas of southern Idaho (40 to 100/sup 0/C/km). Temperatures hot enough for space heating can be found most anywhere in the Plain at relatively shallow depths (1 to 2 km). Temperatures hot enough for electrical power generation (200/sup 0/C) can be found beneath southern Idaho almost anywhere at depths of 3 to 4 kilometers. The Plain is fault bounded and hot water circulating along the fault zones from depths can be a very important geothermal resource at shallow depths. The margins of the Plain have the highest heat flow values, are the most faulted, and have possibly the highest geothermal resource potential Title: Geothermal Investigations in Idaho. Part 8. Heat Flow Study of the Snake River Plain Region, Idaho Author: Brott, C.A. Year: 1976 The Snake River Plain of Idaho has recent lava flows and a large number of thermal springs and wells. A heat flow study was initiated which, together with available geological and geophysical information, allows a better definition of the geothermal resource and evaluation of the geothermal potential. Local geothermal anomalies were not the objects of this study and have not been studied in detail. The quality of the heat flow values obtained varies as interpretation was necessary to determine geothermal gradients for many of the holes which had disturbances. A major problem in determining the heat flow values is the lack of knowledge of the in situ porosity of the rocks. The heat flow values obtained for the Eastern Snake River Plain are from shallow wells (< 200 m), hence the heat flow there is low (< 0.5 HFU) because of the water movement in the Snake Plain aquifer. The anomalous regional heat flow pattern around the Snake River Plain, together with other geophysical and geological data, suggest the presence of a major crustal heat source. With the exception of the area of the Snake Plain aquifer, high geothermal gradients were found in all areas of southern Idaho (40 to 100/sup 0/C/km). Temperatures hot enough for space heating can be found most anywhere in the Plain at relatively shallow depths (1 to 2 km). Temperatures hot enough for electrical power generation (200/sup 0/C) can be found beneath southern Idaho almost anywhere at depths of 3 to 4 kilometers. The Plain is fault bounded and hot water circulating along the fault zones from depths can be a very important geothermal resource at shallow depths. The margins of the Plain have the highest heat flow values, are the most faulted, and have possibly the highest geothermal resource potential Close

• 10. [Image] Thermal Gradient and Heat Flow Drilling, Volume 5, Final Report

  	During the summer of 1975, the Department of Geology and Geophysics drilled nine drill thermal gradient/heat flow holes. Total footage drilled was 2125 feet. Seven holes were drilled with a Mayhew 1000 ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Thermal Gradient and Heat Flow Drilling, Volume 5, Final Report Author: Whelan, J.A. Year: 1977 During the summer of 1975, the Department of Geology and Geophysics drilled nine drill thermal gradient/heat flow holes. Total footage drilled was 2125 feet. Seven holes were drilled with a Mayhew 1000 drill using various combinations of down the hole hammer drilling, rotary drilling, and NX diamond core drilling. Three of these were heat flow holes--one in the Mineral Range, one in the Tushar Range near Beaver, Utah, and one near Monroe, Utah. Two were alteration study holes in the Roosevelt KGRA and two were temperature gradient holes, in alluvium in the Roosevelt KGRA. The average depth of the holes drilled with the Mayhew 1000 drill was 247 feet. Holes ranged from 135 feet to 492 feet. Cost per foot averaged $18.53. Two holes were core drilled with a Joy 12, BX-size drill. One was to 75 feet, in perlite. This hole was abandoned. The other was to 323 feet in granite. These holes averaged $13.82 per foot. Permission to drill was obtained from BLM and drill sites were inspected with BLM personnel to avoid disturbing archeological sites. Sites were reseeded where disturbed. Holes were completed by setting capped one-inch black iron pipe, backfilling the hole with cuttings to 10 feet from surface and cementing to the surface Title: Thermal Gradient and Heat Flow Drilling, Volume 5, Final Report Author: Whelan, J.A. Year: 1977 During the summer of 1975, the Department of Geology and Geophysics drilled nine drill thermal gradient/heat flow holes. Total footage drilled was 2125 feet. Seven holes were drilled with a Mayhew 1000 drill using various combinations of down the hole hammer drilling, rotary drilling, and NX diamond core drilling. Three of these were heat flow holes--one in the Mineral Range, one in the Tushar Range near Beaver, Utah, and one near Monroe, Utah. Two were alteration study holes in the Roosevelt KGRA and two were temperature gradient holes, in alluvium in the Roosevelt KGRA. The average depth of the holes drilled with the Mayhew 1000 drill was 247 feet. Holes ranged from 135 feet to 492 feet. Cost per foot averaged $18.53. Two holes were core drilled with a Joy 12, BX-size drill. One was to 75 feet, in perlite. This hole was abandoned. The other was to 323 feet in granite. These holes averaged $13.82 per foot. Permission to drill was obtained from BLM and drill sites were inspected with BLM personnel to avoid disturbing archeological sites. Sites were reseeded where disturbed. Holes were completed by setting capped one-inch black iron pipe, backfilling the hole with cuttings to 10 feet from surface and cementing to the surface Close