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• 1. [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

• 2. [Image] Economic Assessment of Using Non-Metallic Materials in the Direct Utilization of Geothermal Energy, Final Report

  	The cost effectiveness of nonmetallic materials in three direct-use geothermal applications was assessed. An extensive review of the available literature was conducted in order to ascertain those processes ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Economic Assessment of Using Non-Metallic Materials in the Direct Utilization of Geothermal Energy, Final Report Author: Cabibbo, S.V. Year: 1979 The cost effectiveness of nonmetallic materials in three direct-use geothermal applications was assessed. An extensive review of the available literature was conducted in order to ascertain those processes for which sufficient design and cost data had been published to permit this economic assessment to be made. Only three such processes could be found and they are discussed Title: Economic Assessment of Using Non-Metallic Materials in the Direct Utilization of Geothermal Energy, Final Report Author: Cabibbo, S.V. Year: 1979 The cost effectiveness of nonmetallic materials in three direct-use geothermal applications was assessed. An extensive review of the available literature was conducted in order to ascertain those processes for which sufficient design and cost data had been published to permit this economic assessment to be made. Only three such processes could be found and they are discussed Close

• 3. [Image] Non-Electric Applications of Geothermal Energy in Six Alaskan Towns. Final Report, October 1976--November 1977

  	The potential for direct (non-electric) utilization of local-gradient geothermal energy in six Alaskan towns is summarized. A major objective of this study was to stimulate development and Use of the geothermal ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Non-Electric Applications of Geothermal Energy in Six Alaskan Towns. Final Report, October 1976--November 1977 Author: Farquhar, J. Year: 1977 The potential for direct (non-electric) utilization of local-gradient geothermal energy in six Alaskan towns is summarized. A major objective of this study was to stimulate development and Use of the geothermal resource provided by the earth's average thermal gradient, as opposed to the few anomalies that are typically chosen for geothermal development. Hence, six towns for study were selected as being representative of remote Alaskan conditions, rather than for their proximity to known geothermal resources. The moderate-temperature heat available almost everywhere at depths of two to four kilometers into the earth's mantle could satisfy a major portion of the nation's heating requirements--but the cost must be reduced. It is concluded that a geothermal demonstration in Nome would probably be successful and would promote this objective Title: Non-Electric Applications of Geothermal Energy in Six Alaskan Towns. Final Report, October 1976--November 1977 Author: Farquhar, J. Year: 1977 The potential for direct (non-electric) utilization of local-gradient geothermal energy in six Alaskan towns is summarized. A major objective of this study was to stimulate development and Use of the geothermal resource provided by the earth's average thermal gradient, as opposed to the few anomalies that are typically chosen for geothermal development. Hence, six towns for study were selected as being representative of remote Alaskan conditions, rather than for their proximity to known geothermal resources. The moderate-temperature heat available almost everywhere at depths of two to four kilometers into the earth's mantle could satisfy a major portion of the nation's heating requirements--but the cost must be reduced. It is concluded that a geothermal demonstration in Nome would probably be successful and would promote this objective Close

• 4. [Image] Long-Term Supply Curves for Geothermal Energy - The Impacts of Technology

  	Near-term and long-term supply curves are presented for electric applications of geothermal energy. The GEOCOST model was used to determine the present and future energy production costs for the high-temperature ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Long-Term Supply Curves for Geothermal Energy - The Impacts of Technology Author: Fassbender, L.L. Year: 1980 Near-term and long-term supply curves are presented for electric applications of geothermal energy. The GEOCOST model was used to determine the present and future energy production costs for the high-temperature and intermediate-temperature hydrothermal resources identified by the USGS The long-term supply curves illustrate the potential shifts in the near-term supply curve which would result from certain technology improvements currently being pursued. Programs with the most significant potential impacts are those which result in large reductions in drilling cost, those which lead to development of commercial high capacity downhole pumps, and those which lead to large increases in the plant capacity factor. Curves were drawn to show the impacts of individual technology improvements and also to show the cumulative impacts of combinations of technological advances expected to be achieved by 1982 and 1985. Successful completion of all the programs evaluated would result in a cumulative cost reduction of $90 billion (not discounted) in electrical generating costs from the identified hydrothermal resources Title: Long-Term Supply Curves for Geothermal Energy - The Impacts of Technology Author: Fassbender, L.L. Year: 1980 Near-term and long-term supply curves are presented for electric applications of geothermal energy. The GEOCOST model was used to determine the present and future energy production costs for the high-temperature and intermediate-temperature hydrothermal resources identified by the USGS The long-term supply curves illustrate the potential shifts in the near-term supply curve which would result from certain technology improvements currently being pursued. Programs with the most significant potential impacts are those which result in large reductions in drilling cost, those which lead to development of commercial high capacity downhole pumps, and those which lead to large increases in the plant capacity factor. Curves were drawn to show the impacts of individual technology improvements and also to show the cumulative impacts of combinations of technological advances expected to be achieved by 1982 and 1985. Successful completion of all the programs evaluated would result in a cumulative cost reduction of $90 billion (not discounted) in electrical generating costs from the identified hydrothermal resources Close

• 5. [Image] Electricity from Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy: Technical and Economic Issues

  	Extraction of energy from hot dry rock would make available a nearly unlimited energy source. Some of the technical problems and possible economic tradeoffs involved in a power generating system are examined ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Electricity from Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy: Technical and Economic Issues Author: Tester, J.W. Year: 1979 Extraction of energy from hot dry rock would make available a nearly unlimited energy source. Some of the technical problems and possible economic tradeoffs involved in a power generating system are examined and possible solutions proposed. An intertemporal optimization computer model of electricity production from a hot dry rock geothermal source has been constructed. The effects of reservoir degradation, variable fluid flow rate, and drilling operations are examined to determine optimal strategies for reservoir management and necessary conditions for economic feasibility Title: Electricity from Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy: Technical and Economic Issues Author: Tester, J.W. Year: 1979 Extraction of energy from hot dry rock would make available a nearly unlimited energy source. Some of the technical problems and possible economic tradeoffs involved in a power generating system are examined and possible solutions proposed. An intertemporal optimization computer model of electricity production from a hot dry rock geothermal source has been constructed. The effects of reservoir degradation, variable fluid flow rate, and drilling operations are examined to determine optimal strategies for reservoir management and necessary conditions for economic feasibility Close

• 6. [Image] Laboratory and field testing of improved geothermal rock bits

  	The development and testing of 222 mm (8-3/4 inch) unsealed, insert type, medium hard formation, high-temperature bits are described. The new bits were fabricated by substituting improved materials in ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Laboratory and field testing of improved geothermal rock bits Author: Hendrickson, R.R. Year: 1980 The development and testing of 222 mm (8-3/4 inch) unsealed, insert type, medium hard formation, high-temperature bits are described. The new bits were fabricated by substituting improved materials in critical bit components. These materials were selected on bases of their high temperature properties, machinability, and heat treatment response. Program objectives required that both machining and heat treating could be accomplished with existing rock bit production equipment. Two types of experimental bits were subjected to laboratory air drilling tests at 250/sup 0/C (482/sup 0/F) in cast iron. These tests indicated field testing could be conducted without danger to the hole, and that bearing wear would be substantially reduced. Six additional experimental bits, and eight conventional bits were then subjected to air drilling a 240/sup 0/C (464/sup 0/F) in Francisan Graywacke at The Geysers, CA. The materials selected improved roller wear by 200%, friction-pin wear by 150%, and lug wear by 150%. Geysers drilling performances compared directly to conventional bits indicate that in-gage drilling life was increased by 70%. All bits at The Geysers are subjected to reaming out-of-gage hole prior to drilling. Under these conditions the experimental bits showed a 30% increase in usable hole over the conventional bits. These tests demonstrated a potential well cost reduction of 4 to 8%. Savings of 12% are considered possible with drilling procedures optimized for the experimental bits; SAND-80-7102 Title: Laboratory and field testing of improved geothermal rock bits Author: Hendrickson, R.R. Year: 1980 The development and testing of 222 mm (8-3/4 inch) unsealed, insert type, medium hard formation, high-temperature bits are described. The new bits were fabricated by substituting improved materials in critical bit components. These materials were selected on bases of their high temperature properties, machinability, and heat treatment response. Program objectives required that both machining and heat treating could be accomplished with existing rock bit production equipment. Two types of experimental bits were subjected to laboratory air drilling tests at 250/sup 0/C (482/sup 0/F) in cast iron. These tests indicated field testing could be conducted without danger to the hole, and that bearing wear would be substantially reduced. Six additional experimental bits, and eight conventional bits were then subjected to air drilling a 240/sup 0/C (464/sup 0/F) in Francisan Graywacke at The Geysers, CA. The materials selected improved roller wear by 200%, friction-pin wear by 150%, and lug wear by 150%. Geysers drilling performances compared directly to conventional bits indicate that in-gage drilling life was increased by 70%. All bits at The Geysers are subjected to reaming out-of-gage hole prior to drilling. Under these conditions the experimental bits showed a 30% increase in usable hole over the conventional bits. These tests demonstrated a potential well cost reduction of 4 to 8%. Savings of 12% are considered possible with drilling procedures optimized for the experimental bits; SAND-80-7102 Close

• 7. [Image] Innovation Versus Monopoly: Geothermal Energy in the West. Final Report

  	The following subjects are covered: geothermal energy and its use, electric utilities and the climate for geothermal development, the raw fuels industry and geothermal energy, and government and energy. ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Innovation Versus Monopoly: Geothermal Energy in the West. Final Report Author: Bierman, S.L. Year: 1977 The following subjects are covered: geothermal energy and its use, electric utilities and the climate for geothermal development, the raw fuels industry and geothermal energy, and government and energy. The role of large petroleum companies and large public utilities is emphasized. (MHR) Title: Innovation Versus Monopoly: Geothermal Energy in the West. Final Report Author: Bierman, S.L. Year: 1977 The following subjects are covered: geothermal energy and its use, electric utilities and the climate for geothermal development, the raw fuels industry and geothermal energy, and government and energy. The role of large petroleum companies and large public utilities is emphasized. (MHR) Close

• 8. [Image] Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide from Simulated Geothermal Brines by Reaction with Oxygen. Final Report, October 6, 1975-February 4, 1977

  	A process for controlling hydrogen sulfide emissions and corrosivity in geothermal systems has been evaluated on a small laboratory pilot plant scale and shown to be technically feasible. The hydrogen ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide from Simulated Geothermal Brines by Reaction with Oxygen. Final Report, October 6, 1975-February 4, 1977 Author: Wilson, J.S. Year: 1977 A process for controlling hydrogen sulfide emissions and corrosivity in geothermal systems has been evaluated on a small laboratory pilot plant scale and shown to be technically feasible. The hydrogen sulfide was oxidized by oxygen injected directly into a 11.4-liter-(3-gallon)-per-minute flowing stream of simulated geothermal brine. The oxidation of the sulfide was complete at oxygen:sulfide mole ratios of 1.25:1 to 1.5:1, depending on temperature and total dissolved solids in the brine. The reaction products were free sulfur, sulfite and sulfate. The ratio of these was dependent upon the oxygen:sulfide mole ratios; but, generally, more than 80% of the sulfide was converted to sulfate, approximately 10% to free sulfur and less than 10% to sulfite Title: Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide from Simulated Geothermal Brines by Reaction with Oxygen. Final Report, October 6, 1975-February 4, 1977 Author: Wilson, J.S. Year: 1977 A process for controlling hydrogen sulfide emissions and corrosivity in geothermal systems has been evaluated on a small laboratory pilot plant scale and shown to be technically feasible. The hydrogen sulfide was oxidized by oxygen injected directly into a 11.4-liter-(3-gallon)-per-minute flowing stream of simulated geothermal brine. The oxidation of the sulfide was complete at oxygen:sulfide mole ratios of 1.25:1 to 1.5:1, depending on temperature and total dissolved solids in the brine. The reaction products were free sulfur, sulfite and sulfate. The ratio of these was dependent upon the oxygen:sulfide mole ratios; but, generally, more than 80% of the sulfide was converted to sulfate, approximately 10% to free sulfur and less than 10% to sulfite Close

• 9. [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