Search

Search Results

• 1. [Image] Neutron Formation Temperature Gauge and Neutron Activation Analysis Brine Flow Meter. Final Report, October 1, 1976--March 31, 1978

  	Feasibility studies of nuclear techniques applicable to the determination of geothermal formation temperature and two-phase brine flow downhole have been performed. The formation temperature gauging technique ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Neutron Formation Temperature Gauge and Neutron Activation Analysis Brine Flow Meter. Final Report, October 1, 1976--March 31, 1978 Author: Vagelatos, N. Year: 1978 Feasibility studies of nuclear techniques applicable to the determination of geothermal formation temperature and two-phase brine flow downhole have been performed. The formation temperature gauging technique involves injection of fast neutrons into the formation and analysis of the moderated slow neutron energy distribution by appropriately filtered neutron detectors. The scientific feasibility of the method has been demonstrated by analytical computational and experimental evaluation of the system response. A data analysis method has been developed to determine unambiguously the temperature, neutron absorption cross section and neutron moderating power of an arbitrary medium. The initial phase of a program to demonstrate the engineering feasibility of the technique has been performed. A sonde mockup was fabricated and measurements have been performed in a test stand designed to simulate a geothermal well. The results indicate that the formation temperature determined by this method is independent of differences between the temperature in the borehole fluid and the formation, borehole fluid density, and borehole fluid salinity. Estimates of performance specifications for a formation temperature sonde have been made on the basis of information obtained in this study and a conceptual design of a logging system has been developed. The technique for the determination of fluid flow in a well is based on neutron activation analysis of elements present in the brine. An analytical evaluation of the method has been performed. The results warrant further, experimental evaluation Title: Neutron Formation Temperature Gauge and Neutron Activation Analysis Brine Flow Meter. Final Report, October 1, 1976--March 31, 1978 Author: Vagelatos, N. Year: 1978 Feasibility studies of nuclear techniques applicable to the determination of geothermal formation temperature and two-phase brine flow downhole have been performed. The formation temperature gauging technique involves injection of fast neutrons into the formation and analysis of the moderated slow neutron energy distribution by appropriately filtered neutron detectors. The scientific feasibility of the method has been demonstrated by analytical computational and experimental evaluation of the system response. A data analysis method has been developed to determine unambiguously the temperature, neutron absorption cross section and neutron moderating power of an arbitrary medium. The initial phase of a program to demonstrate the engineering feasibility of the technique has been performed. A sonde mockup was fabricated and measurements have been performed in a test stand designed to simulate a geothermal well. The results indicate that the formation temperature determined by this method is independent of differences between the temperature in the borehole fluid and the formation, borehole fluid density, and borehole fluid salinity. Estimates of performance specifications for a formation temperature sonde have been made on the basis of information obtained in this study and a conceptual design of a logging system has been developed. The technique for the determination of fluid flow in a well is based on neutron activation analysis of elements present in the brine. An analytical evaluation of the method has been performed. The results warrant further, experimental evaluation Close

• 2. [Image] Field Electrochemical Measurements of Corrosion Characteristics of Materials in Hypersaline Geothermal Brine

  	A flow cell (with appropriate accessories) was developed for use in short-term testing of the corrosion behavior of materials in approximately 100{sup 0}C, hypersaline geothermal brine. The apparatus was ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Field Electrochemical Measurements of Corrosion Characteristics of Materials in Hypersaline Geothermal Brine Author: Harrar, J.E. Year: 1977 A flow cell (with appropriate accessories) was developed for use in short-term testing of the corrosion behavior of materials in approximately 100{sup 0}C, hypersaline geothermal brine. The apparatus was designed to accommodate commercial (Petrolite) corrosion measurement equipment and conducted experiments on-line at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory Test Station in the Salton Sea Geothermal Field. The apparatus also permitted direct readings of corrosion potentials, solution redox potential (E{sub h}), brine flow rate, pH, and temperature. Estimates of general corrosion rates were obtained by the linear polarization resistance technique and from measurements of complete potentiodynamic polarization curves. The latter also afforded predictions of pitting susceptibilities of active-passive type materials. Twenty-two alloys (with various heat treatments) were tested and readily grouped according to general corrosion resistances in acidified hypersaline (approximately 4 M chloride) brine. Especially promising in regard to corrosion resistance-vs-cost is the series of low Cr--Mo steels. Prescaling of materials in unacidified (pH approximately 5.7) brine prior to exposure to acidified (pH 2 to 4.5) brine was found to be beneficial in reducing corrosion rates at 100{sup 0}C Title: Field Electrochemical Measurements of Corrosion Characteristics of Materials in Hypersaline Geothermal Brine Author: Harrar, J.E. Year: 1977 A flow cell (with appropriate accessories) was developed for use in short-term testing of the corrosion behavior of materials in approximately 100{sup 0}C, hypersaline geothermal brine. The apparatus was designed to accommodate commercial (Petrolite) corrosion measurement equipment and conducted experiments on-line at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory Test Station in the Salton Sea Geothermal Field. The apparatus also permitted direct readings of corrosion potentials, solution redox potential (E{sub h}), brine flow rate, pH, and temperature. Estimates of general corrosion rates were obtained by the linear polarization resistance technique and from measurements of complete potentiodynamic polarization curves. The latter also afforded predictions of pitting susceptibilities of active-passive type materials. Twenty-two alloys (with various heat treatments) were tested and readily grouped according to general corrosion resistances in acidified hypersaline (approximately 4 M chloride) brine. Especially promising in regard to corrosion resistance-vs-cost is the series of low Cr--Mo steels. Prescaling of materials in unacidified (pH approximately 5.7) brine prior to exposure to acidified (pH 2 to 4.5) brine was found to be beneficial in reducing corrosion rates at 100{sup 0}C Close

• 3. [Image] An Experimental Investigation of the Permeability of Kayenta and St. Peter Sandstones to Hypersaline Brine in the Temperature Interval 70 to 90 C at 10. 3-MPa Confining Pressure

  	Permeabilities of 10.2 cm in length, 2.5 cm in diameter Kayenta (porosity, 20.7, +- 1.66%) and St. Peter (porosity, 13.6, +- 0.13%) sandstones to Magmamax No. 1 brine containing suspended solids were determined ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An Experimental Investigation of the Permeability of Kayenta and St. Peter Sandstones to Hypersaline Brine in the Temperature Interval 70 to 90 C at 10. 3-MPa Confining Pressure Author: Piwinskii, A.J. Year: 1977 Permeabilities of 10.2 cm in length, 2.5 cm in diameter Kayenta (porosity, 20.7, +- 1.66%) and St. Peter (porosity, 13.6, +- 0.13%) sandstones to Magmamax No. 1 brine containing suspended solids were determined from 70 to 90/sup 0/C at 10.3-MPa confining pressure. Measurements were performed without filters, with one 10-..mu..m filter, and with two 10-..mu..m filters inserted upstream of the core sample. In all cases, there was a dramatic decrease in permeability within the first hour of flow or few hundred pore volumes of flow through the core. Experiments conducted without filters or with one filter yield permeabilities that represent both the rock and the 2- to 3-mm amorphous silica-iron layer on the top face of the core. The experimental results show that if the Salton Sea Geothermal Field (SSGF) were composed of porous, sedimentary formations similar to Kayenta sandstone, long-term injection of unmodified Magmamax brine would not be feasible. In the case of acidified brine, most of the permeability decline may result from the mobilization of calcite Title: An Experimental Investigation of the Permeability of Kayenta and St. Peter Sandstones to Hypersaline Brine in the Temperature Interval 70 to 90 C at 10. 3-MPa Confining Pressure Author: Piwinskii, A.J. Year: 1977 Permeabilities of 10.2 cm in length, 2.5 cm in diameter Kayenta (porosity, 20.7, +- 1.66%) and St. Peter (porosity, 13.6, +- 0.13%) sandstones to Magmamax No. 1 brine containing suspended solids were determined from 70 to 90/sup 0/C at 10.3-MPa confining pressure. Measurements were performed without filters, with one 10-..mu..m filter, and with two 10-..mu..m filters inserted upstream of the core sample. In all cases, there was a dramatic decrease in permeability within the first hour of flow or few hundred pore volumes of flow through the core. Experiments conducted without filters or with one filter yield permeabilities that represent both the rock and the 2- to 3-mm amorphous silica-iron layer on the top face of the core. The experimental results show that if the Salton Sea Geothermal Field (SSGF) were composed of porous, sedimentary formations similar to Kayenta sandstone, long-term injection of unmodified Magmamax brine would not be feasible. In the case of acidified brine, most of the permeability decline may result from the mobilization of calcite Close

• 4. [Image] Report on Design, Construction and Testing of CO2 Breakout System for Geothermal Brines

  	A skid mounted test facility has been built for determining conditions at which CO2 flashes from geothermal brines. The system has been checked and operated at one geothermal plant. It performed as designed. ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Report on Design, Construction and Testing of CO2 Breakout System for Geothermal Brines Author: Robertus, R. J. Year: 1984 A skid mounted test facility has been built for determining conditions at which CO2 flashes from geothermal brines. The system has been checked and operated at one geothermal plant. It performed as designed. The equipment is designed to operate at temperatures and pressures typical of wells near Heber, California. (Nominally IS0°C and 300-500 psig). It has heat exchangers which can cool the brine to less than 70°C. (The cooling water is re-circulated after being cooled by a forced air heat exchanger). Breakout pressures can be determined for any temperature between 70°C and wellhead temperature Title: Report on Design, Construction and Testing of CO2 Breakout System for Geothermal Brines Author: Robertus, R. J. Year: 1984 A skid mounted test facility has been built for determining conditions at which CO2 flashes from geothermal brines. The system has been checked and operated at one geothermal plant. It performed as designed. The equipment is designed to operate at temperatures and pressures typical of wells near Heber, California. (Nominally IS0°C and 300-500 psig). It has heat exchangers which can cool the brine to less than 70°C. (The cooling water is re-circulated after being cooled by a forced air heat exchanger). Breakout pressures can be determined for any temperature between 70°C and wellhead temperature Close

• 5. [Image] Dipole-Dipole Resistivity Surveys, Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA. Final Report, Volume 2

  	Dipole-dipole Resistivity surveys were conducted at Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA. Three different dipole spacings were used; 99km of traverse line were surveyed with 100m dipoles, 50km with 300m dipoles, ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Dipole-Dipole Resistivity Surveys, Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA. Final Report, Volume 2 Author: Ward, S.H. Year: 1976 Dipole-dipole Resistivity surveys were conducted at Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA. Three different dipole spacings were used; 99km of traverse line were surveyed with 100m dipoles, 50km with 300m dipoles, and 44km with 1km dipoles. The objectives of the Resistivity surveying were to detect and delineate regions of low Resistivity associated with fracturing, brines, high temperatures, and clay alteration. The Resistivity of rocks that are typical of hydrothermal environments is due to two main conduction mechanisms: (1) electrolytic conduction through pores and fractures; and (2) surface conduction due to a thin zone of cations attracted to those mineral surfaces with net negative charges (especially clay minerals). For saturated rocks, the Resistivity due to electrolytic conduction is a function of the effective porosity of the fractured rock, of the temperature, and of the salinity of the fluid filling the pores and fractures. The Resistivity decreases as the effective porosity, water saturation, salinity, and temperature increase. The presence of clay minerals and pyrite will also decrease the Resistivity Title: Dipole-Dipole Resistivity Surveys, Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA. Final Report, Volume 2 Author: Ward, S.H. Year: 1976 Dipole-dipole Resistivity surveys were conducted at Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA. Three different dipole spacings were used; 99km of traverse line were surveyed with 100m dipoles, 50km with 300m dipoles, and 44km with 1km dipoles. The objectives of the Resistivity surveying were to detect and delineate regions of low Resistivity associated with fracturing, brines, high temperatures, and clay alteration. The Resistivity of rocks that are typical of hydrothermal environments is due to two main conduction mechanisms: (1) electrolytic conduction through pores and fractures; and (2) surface conduction due to a thin zone of cations attracted to those mineral surfaces with net negative charges (especially clay minerals). For saturated rocks, the Resistivity due to electrolytic conduction is a function of the effective porosity of the fractured rock, of the temperature, and of the salinity of the fluid filling the pores and fractures. The Resistivity decreases as the effective porosity, water saturation, salinity, and temperature increase. The presence of clay minerals and pyrite will also decrease the Resistivity Close

• 6. [Image] Study of Silica Scaling from Geothermal Brines, Final Report, November 15, 1974 - April 30, 1977

  	Condensation of silica from brines supersaturate in silicic acid was studied over a range of pH (4.5 to 6.5), temperature (75 to 105/sup 0/C), salinity, and silicic acid concentration (700 to 1200 ppM ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Study of Silica Scaling from Geothermal Brines, Final Report, November 15, 1974 - April 30, 1977 Author: Makrides, A.C. Year: 1978 Condensation of silica from brines supersaturate in silicic acid was studied over a range of pH (4.5 to 6.5), temperature (75 to 105/sup 0/C), salinity, and silicic acid concentration (700 to 1200 ppM as SiO/sub 2/). The experimental technique involved analyses for molybdate-reactive silicic acid as a function of time after a supersaturated solution of Si(OH)/sub 4/ was prepared by mixing aliquots of a stock silicate solution with buffered brine. The isothermal rate of SiO/sub 2/ condensation is a strong function of supersaturation (C/Ce), pH, and salinity. The overall kinetics follow what is expected from the general theory of phase transitions. The kinetic results suggest that growth of nucleated particles is activation controlled, at least initially. The increase of condensation rate with salt content is attributed to a decrease in equilibrium solubility of SiO/sub 2/. In effect, higher salt concentrations increase supersaturation and lead to faster nucleation. Higher nucleation and growth rates are observed at higher pH's. An increase of 1 pH unit increases rates by a factor of about 10. The pH dependence is consistent with the hypothesis that SiO(OH)/sub 3//sup -/ is One of the reacting species. Temperature has little effect on condensation rate at a fixed initial silicic acid concentration. This result suggests that the increase in rate of activated steps brought about by increased temperature is essentially counterbalanced by a decrease in supersaturation (because of higher equilibrium solubility at higher temperatures). The kinetic results yield an activation energy of 17 kcal/mol for addition of silicic acid to a nucleated particle and 45 ergs/cm/sup 2/ for the interfacial energy between precipitated silica and the brine. NaCl, KCl, CaCl/sub 2/ and MgCl/sub 2/ had no specific effect on condensation rate. However, NaF had a large effect on rate; a few ppM (15 to 100) of fluoride ion accelerate condensation substantially Title: Study of Silica Scaling from Geothermal Brines, Final Report, November 15, 1974 - April 30, 1977 Author: Makrides, A.C. Year: 1978 Condensation of silica from brines supersaturate in silicic acid was studied over a range of pH (4.5 to 6.5), temperature (75 to 105/sup 0/C), salinity, and silicic acid concentration (700 to 1200 ppM as SiO/sub 2/). The experimental technique involved analyses for molybdate-reactive silicic acid as a function of time after a supersaturated solution of Si(OH)/sub 4/ was prepared by mixing aliquots of a stock silicate solution with buffered brine. The isothermal rate of SiO/sub 2/ condensation is a strong function of supersaturation (C/Ce), pH, and salinity. The overall kinetics follow what is expected from the general theory of phase transitions. The kinetic results suggest that growth of nucleated particles is activation controlled, at least initially. The increase of condensation rate with salt content is attributed to a decrease in equilibrium solubility of SiO/sub 2/. In effect, higher salt concentrations increase supersaturation and lead to faster nucleation. Higher nucleation and growth rates are observed at higher pH's. An increase of 1 pH unit increases rates by a factor of about 10. The pH dependence is consistent with the hypothesis that SiO(OH)/sub 3//sup -/ is One of the reacting species. Temperature has little effect on condensation rate at a fixed initial silicic acid concentration. This result suggests that the increase in rate of activated steps brought about by increased temperature is essentially counterbalanced by a decrease in supersaturation (because of higher equilibrium solubility at higher temperatures). The kinetic results yield an activation energy of 17 kcal/mol for addition of silicic acid to a nucleated particle and 45 ergs/cm/sup 2/ for the interfacial energy between precipitated silica and the brine. NaCl, KCl, CaCl/sub 2/ and MgCl/sub 2/ had no specific effect on condensation rate. However, NaF had a large effect on rate; a few ppM (15 to 100) of fluoride ion accelerate condensation substantially Close

• 7. [Image] Geologic Characteristics of a Portion of the Salton Sea Geothermal Field

  	The examination of drill cuttings and core samples from the Magmamax Nos. 2 and 3 and Woolsey No. 1 wells indicate that the sequence of sedimentary rocks in the Salton Sea geothermal field from the surface ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geologic Characteristics of a Portion of the Salton Sea Geothermal Field Author: Tewhey; J.D. Year: 1977 The examination of drill cuttings and core samples from the Magmamax Nos. 2 and 3 and Woolsey No. 1 wells indicate that the sequence of sedimentary rocks in the Salton Sea geothermal field from the surface to below 4000 ft can be divided into three categories Title: Geologic Characteristics of a Portion of the Salton Sea Geothermal Field Author: Tewhey; J.D. Year: 1977 The examination of drill cuttings and core samples from the Magmamax Nos. 2 and 3 and Woolsey No. 1 wells indicate that the sequence of sedimentary rocks in the Salton Sea geothermal field from the surface to below 4000 ft can be divided into three categories Close

• 8. [Image] Geothermal Progress Monitor: Report No. 17, December 1995

  	DOE is particularly concerned with reducing the costs of geothermal power generation, especially with the abundant moderate to low-temperature resources in the US. This concern is reflected in DOE`s support ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geothermal Progress Monitor: Report No. 17, December 1995 Author: Assistant Secretary for Energy and Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Geothermal Division Year: 1995 DOE is particularly concerned with reducing the costs of geothermal power generation, especially with the abundant moderate to low-temperature resources in the US. This concern is reflected in DOE`s support of a number of energy conversion projects. Projects which focus on the costs and performance of binary cycle technology include a commercial demonstration of supersaturated turbine expansions, which earlier Studies have indicated could increase the power produced per pound of fluid. Other binary cycle projects include evaluations of the performance of various working fluid mixtures and the development and testing of advanced heat rejection systems which are desperately needed in water-short geothermal areas. DOE is also investigating the applicability of flash steam technology to low-temperature resources, as an economic alternative to binary cycle systems. A low-cost, low-pressure steam turbine, selected for a grant, will be constructed to utilize fluid discharged from a flash steam plant in Nevada. Another project addresses the efficiency of high-temperature flash plants with a demonstration of the performance of the Biphase turbine which may increase the power output of such installations with no increase in fluid flow. Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of this issue of the GPM, the 17th since its inception in 1980, is the high degree of industry participation in federally-sponsored geothermal research and development. This report describes geothermal development activities Title: Geothermal Progress Monitor: Report No. 17, December 1995 Author: Assistant Secretary for Energy and Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Geothermal Division Year: 1995 DOE is particularly concerned with reducing the costs of geothermal power generation, especially with the abundant moderate to low-temperature resources in the US. This concern is reflected in DOE`s support of a number of energy conversion projects. Projects which focus on the costs and performance of binary cycle technology include a commercial demonstration of supersaturated turbine expansions, which earlier Studies have indicated could increase the power produced per pound of fluid. Other binary cycle projects include evaluations of the performance of various working fluid mixtures and the development and testing of advanced heat rejection systems which are desperately needed in water-short geothermal areas. DOE is also investigating the applicability of flash steam technology to low-temperature resources, as an economic alternative to binary cycle systems. A low-cost, low-pressure steam turbine, selected for a grant, will be constructed to utilize fluid discharged from a flash steam plant in Nevada. Another project addresses the efficiency of high-temperature flash plants with a demonstration of the performance of the Biphase turbine which may increase the power output of such installations with no increase in fluid flow. Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of this issue of the GPM, the 17th since its inception in 1980, is the high degree of industry participation in federally-sponsored geothermal research and development. This report describes geothermal development activities Close

• 9. [Image] Viscosity of Brines from the Salton Sea Geothermal Field, Imperial Valley, California

  	The viscosity of chemically analyzed brines from the Salton Sea Geothermal Field was measured from 5 to 90/sup 0/C at 100 kPa. Data indicate that these multicomponent solutions are slightly more viscous ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Viscosity of Brines from the Salton Sea Geothermal Field, Imperial Valley, California Author: Piwinskii, A.J. Year: 1977 The viscosity of chemically analyzed brines from the Salton Sea Geothermal Field was measured from 5 to 90/sup 0/C at 100 kPa. Data indicate that these multicomponent solutions are slightly more viscous than a 3.5 molal NaCl solution in this temperature interval Title: Viscosity of Brines from the Salton Sea Geothermal Field, Imperial Valley, California Author: Piwinskii, A.J. Year: 1977 The viscosity of chemically analyzed brines from the Salton Sea Geothermal Field was measured from 5 to 90/sup 0/C at 100 kPa. Data indicate that these multicomponent solutions are slightly more viscous than a 3.5 molal NaCl solution in this temperature interval Close

• 10. [Image] Brine and Gas Recovery from Geopressured Systems: I. Parametric Calculations

  	A series of parametric calculations was run with the S-CUBED geopressured-geothermal simulator MUSHRM to assess the effects of important formation, fluid and well parameters on brine and gas recovery ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Brine and Gas Recovery from Geopressured Systems: I. Parametric Calculations Author: Garg, S. K. Year: 1984 A series of parametric calculations was run with the S-CUBED geopressured-geothermal simulator MUSHRM to assess the effects of important formation, fluid and well parameters on brine and gas recovery from geopressured reservoir systems. The specific parameters considered are formation permeability, pore-fluid salinity, temperature and gas content, well radius and location with respect to reservoir boundaries, desired flow rate, and possible shale recharge. It was found that the total brine and gas recovered (as a fraction of the resource in situ) were most sensitive to formation permeability, pore-fluid gas content, and shale recharge Title: Brine and Gas Recovery from Geopressured Systems: I. Parametric Calculations Author: Garg, S. K. Year: 1984 A series of parametric calculations was run with the S-CUBED geopressured-geothermal simulator MUSHRM to assess the effects of important formation, fluid and well parameters on brine and gas recovery from geopressured reservoir systems. The specific parameters considered are formation permeability, pore-fluid salinity, temperature and gas content, well radius and location with respect to reservoir boundaries, desired flow rate, and possible shale recharge. It was found that the total brine and gas recovered (as a fraction of the resource in situ) were most sensitive to formation permeability, pore-fluid gas content, and shale recharge Close