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• 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] Annual Report on the Project to Design and Experimentally Test an Improved Geothermal Drill Bit

  	Progress is reported in a research and development program to design, build, and test an improved geothermal drill bit. The major tasks of the Phase I effort are entitled: failure mechanisms of existing ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Annual Report on the Project to Design and Experimentally Test an Improved Geothermal Drill Bit Author: Barker, L.M. Year: 1976 Progress is reported in a research and development program to design, build, and test an improved geothermal drill bit. The major tasks of the Phase I effort are entitled: failure mechanisms of existing bits; new steels and new bearing design; and new seals and lubricants. It appears that a significant gain in drill-bit life can be attained by the use of higher-temperature steels which retain more hardness at temperatures above 260/sup 0/C (500/sup 0/F). Such steels are available, and two research bits of high-temperature steels were made and will shortly be tested in a laboratory-simulated full-scale geothermal drilling environment. Two control bits of the same design, but made with conventional drill bit steels, were also obtained for identical laboratory test runs, so that the performance of the research bits can be meaningfully assessed. Base-line properties of the steels, such as hardness and fracture toughness as functions of temperature, are being measured to further assess the value of the high-temperature steels selected for the research bits. A geothermal test vessel was designed and fabricated in which the full-scale drill bits will be tested. The vessel is capable of temperature to 427/sup 0/C (800/sup 0/F) and pressures to 35 MPa (5,000 psi). Seal and lubrication designs were studied, and the state of the art in high-temperature seals and lubricants was assessed. Some candidate seals and lubricants have been obtained for testing, and others are being procured. In addition, a seal test vessel has been designed and will soon be completed which can simulate the geothermal drilling environment in full-scale testing of seal and lubricant designs and materials. (JGB) Title: Annual Report on the Project to Design and Experimentally Test an Improved Geothermal Drill Bit Author: Barker, L.M. Year: 1976 Progress is reported in a research and development program to design, build, and test an improved geothermal drill bit. The major tasks of the Phase I effort are entitled: failure mechanisms of existing bits; new steels and new bearing design; and new seals and lubricants. It appears that a significant gain in drill-bit life can be attained by the use of higher-temperature steels which retain more hardness at temperatures above 260/sup 0/C (500/sup 0/F). Such steels are available, and two research bits of high-temperature steels were made and will shortly be tested in a laboratory-simulated full-scale geothermal drilling environment. Two control bits of the same design, but made with conventional drill bit steels, were also obtained for identical laboratory test runs, so that the performance of the research bits can be meaningfully assessed. Base-line properties of the steels, such as hardness and fracture toughness as functions of temperature, are being measured to further assess the value of the high-temperature steels selected for the research bits. A geothermal test vessel was designed and fabricated in which the full-scale drill bits will be tested. The vessel is capable of temperature to 427/sup 0/C (800/sup 0/F) and pressures to 35 MPa (5,000 psi). Seal and lubrication designs were studied, and the state of the art in high-temperature seals and lubricants was assessed. Some candidate seals and lubricants have been obtained for testing, and others are being procured. In addition, a seal test vessel has been designed and will soon be completed which can simulate the geothermal drilling environment in full-scale testing of seal and lubricant designs and materials. (JGB) Close

• 3. [Image] Seal/lubricant systems for geothermal drilling equipment

  	The development and testing of seals and lubricants for journal-type roller-cone rock bits for drilling into geothermal reservoirs at temperatures over 260/sup 0/C (500/sup 0/F) are described. The conditions ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Seal/lubricant systems for geothermal drilling equipment Author: Hendrickson, R.R. Year: 1980 The development and testing of seals and lubricants for journal-type roller-cone rock bits for drilling into geothermal reservoirs at temperatures over 260/sup 0/C (500/sup 0/F) are described. The conditions experienced by seals and lubricants subjected to geothermal drilling are reviewed along with the basic design requirements for roller-cone bit seals and journal bearing lubricants. Two unique test facilities are described: a seal test machine which simulates pressures, temperatures, and mechanical eccentricities, and a lubricant tester capable of evaluating load-bearing ability at temperature and pressure. Three candidate elastomeric compounds demonstrated 288/sup 0/C (550/sup 0/F) capability and several others demonstrated 260/sup 0/C (500/sup 0/F) or greater capability. Successful elastomeric seal candidates were proprietary compounds based on EPDM, Kalrez, and/or Viton polymers. Three mechanical seals for reservoir temperatures over 288/sup 0/C (550/sup 0/F) are presented. Lubricant screening tests on more than 50 products are summarized, and several newly developed lubricants which meet both the compatibility and lubrication requirements are described. Several seal/lubricant systems are recommended for laboratory or field geothermal drilling tests in roller-cone drill bits. The future availability of drill bits for geothermal use is discussed, as well as the potential spinoffs of the program findings for nongeothermal roller-cone bits; SAND-80-7101 Title: Seal/lubricant systems for geothermal drilling equipment Author: Hendrickson, R.R. Year: 1980 The development and testing of seals and lubricants for journal-type roller-cone rock bits for drilling into geothermal reservoirs at temperatures over 260/sup 0/C (500/sup 0/F) are described. The conditions experienced by seals and lubricants subjected to geothermal drilling are reviewed along with the basic design requirements for roller-cone bit seals and journal bearing lubricants. Two unique test facilities are described: a seal test machine which simulates pressures, temperatures, and mechanical eccentricities, and a lubricant tester capable of evaluating load-bearing ability at temperature and pressure. Three candidate elastomeric compounds demonstrated 288/sup 0/C (550/sup 0/F) capability and several others demonstrated 260/sup 0/C (500/sup 0/F) or greater capability. Successful elastomeric seal candidates were proprietary compounds based on EPDM, Kalrez, and/or Viton polymers. Three mechanical seals for reservoir temperatures over 288/sup 0/C (550/sup 0/F) are presented. Lubricant screening tests on more than 50 products are summarized, and several newly developed lubricants which meet both the compatibility and lubrication requirements are described. Several seal/lubricant systems are recommended for laboratory or field geothermal drilling tests in roller-cone drill bits. The future availability of drill bits for geothermal use is discussed, as well as the potential spinoffs of the program findings for nongeothermal roller-cone bits; SAND-80-7101 Close

• 4. [Image] Development of the high-temperature redox electrode. Interim report ending March 1980

  	The oxidation-reduction (known as redox) electrode was studied in a pH range corresponding to that found in a CO/sub 2/-silicate buffered system at temperatures ranging from 100 to 250/sup 0/C. Oxidizing ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Development of the high-temperature redox electrode. Interim report ending March 1980 Author: Danielson, M.J. Year: 1980 The oxidation-reduction (known as redox) electrode was studied in a pH range corresponding to that found in a CO/sub 2/-silicate buffered system at temperatures ranging from 100 to 250/sup 0/C. Oxidizing conditions were created by injecting oxygen; the greatest reducing conditions, by using hydrogen. The sulfur system (H/sub 2/S, HS/sup -/, S/sup 2/) was not examined at this time, but future work will include this system since it is an important component of the geothermal brine. Both a platinized platinum (Pt-Pt) and a bare platinum (Pt-foil) electrode respond to the redox environment. The response does not appear to indicate thermodynamic equilibrium with the chemical environment; instead a mixed potential response is indicated. The difference in potential between a strong oxidizing environment (0.4-ppM O/sub 2/) and a strong reducing environment (0.5-atm H/sub 2/) is typically > 1 volt at all temperatures. The magnitude of this response makes the platinum electrode a suitable sensor for continuous monitoring of the geothermal environment for oxygen intrusions. The platinized platinum redox electrode is superior to the bare platinum electrode; PNL-3377 Title: Development of the high-temperature redox electrode. Interim report ending March 1980 Author: Danielson, M.J. Year: 1980 The oxidation-reduction (known as redox) electrode was studied in a pH range corresponding to that found in a CO/sub 2/-silicate buffered system at temperatures ranging from 100 to 250/sup 0/C. Oxidizing conditions were created by injecting oxygen; the greatest reducing conditions, by using hydrogen. The sulfur system (H/sub 2/S, HS/sup -/, S/sup 2/) was not examined at this time, but future work will include this system since it is an important component of the geothermal brine. Both a platinized platinum (Pt-Pt) and a bare platinum (Pt-foil) electrode respond to the redox environment. The response does not appear to indicate thermodynamic equilibrium with the chemical environment; instead a mixed potential response is indicated. The difference in potential between a strong oxidizing environment (0.4-ppM O/sub 2/) and a strong reducing environment (0.5-atm H/sub 2/) is typically > 1 volt at all temperatures. The magnitude of this response makes the platinum electrode a suitable sensor for continuous monitoring of the geothermal environment for oxygen intrusions. The platinized platinum redox electrode is superior to the bare platinum electrode; PNL-3377 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] 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

• 7. [Image] Geothermal direct applications hardware systems development and testing: 1979 summary report

  	Activities performed during calendar year 1979 for the hardware system development and testing task are presented. The fluidized bed technology was applied to the drying of potato by-products and to the ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geothermal direct applications hardware systems development and testing: 1979 summary report Author: Keller, J.G. Year: 1980 Activities performed during calendar year 1979 for the hardware system development and testing task are presented. The fluidized bed technology was applied to the drying of potato by-products and to the exchange of heat to air in the space heating experiment. Geothermal water was flashed to steam and also used as the prime energy source in the steam distillation of peppermint oil. Geothermal water temperatures as low as 112.8/sup 0/C were utilized to distill alcohol from sugar beet juice, and lower temperature water provided air conditioning through an absorption air conditioning system. These experiments are discussed; EGG-2013 Title: Geothermal direct applications hardware systems development and testing: 1979 summary report Author: Keller, J.G. Year: 1980 Activities performed during calendar year 1979 for the hardware system development and testing task are presented. The fluidized bed technology was applied to the drying of potato by-products and to the exchange of heat to air in the space heating experiment. Geothermal water was flashed to steam and also used as the prime energy source in the steam distillation of peppermint oil. Geothermal water temperatures as low as 112.8/sup 0/C were utilized to distill alcohol from sugar beet juice, and lower temperature water provided air conditioning through an absorption air conditioning system. These experiments are discussed; EGG-2013 Close

• 8. [Image] Field drilling tests on improved geothermal unsealed roller-cone bits: Final report

  	The development and field testing of a 222 mm (8-3/4 inch) unsealed, insert type, medium hard formation, high-temperature bit are described. Increased performance was gained by substituting improved materials ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Field drilling tests on improved geothermal unsealed roller-cone bits: Final report Author: Hendrickson, R.R. Year: 1980 The development and field testing of a 222 mm (8-3/4 inch) unsealed, insert type, medium hard formation, high-temperature bit are described. Increased performance was gained 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. Six of the experimental bits were subjected to air drilling at 240/sup 0/C (460/sup 0/F) in Franciscan graywacke at the Geysers (California). Performances compared directly to conventional bits indicate that in-gage drilling time 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 drilled, compared with the conventional bits. The materials selected improved roller wear by 200%, friction per wear by 150%, and lug wear by 150%. These tests indicate a potential well cost savings of 4 to 8%. Savings of 12% are considered possible with drilling procedures optimized for the experimental bits; SAND-80-7079 Title: Field drilling tests on improved geothermal unsealed roller-cone bits: Final report Author: Hendrickson, R.R. Year: 1980 The development and field testing of a 222 mm (8-3/4 inch) unsealed, insert type, medium hard formation, high-temperature bit are described. Increased performance was gained 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. Six of the experimental bits were subjected to air drilling at 240/sup 0/C (460/sup 0/F) in Franciscan graywacke at the Geysers (California). Performances compared directly to conventional bits indicate that in-gage drilling time 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 drilled, compared with the conventional bits. The materials selected improved roller wear by 200%, friction per wear by 150%, and lug wear by 150%. These tests indicate a potential well cost savings of 4 to 8%. Savings of 12% are considered possible with drilling procedures optimized for the experimental bits; SAND-80-7079 Close

• 9. [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

• 10. [Image] Testing Operations Plan: Coso Geothermal Exploratory Hole No. 1 (CGEH-1)

  	Coso Geothermal Exploratory Hole No. 1 (CGEH-1) was drilled to investigate the potential of the Coso Hot Springs Known Geothermal Resource Area (KGRA) in southeastern California. Detailed background information ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Testing Operations Plan: Coso Geothermal Exploratory Hole No. 1 (CGEH-1) Author: Nevada Operations Office; Naval Weapons Center, China Lake Year: 1978 Coso Geothermal Exploratory Hole No. 1 (CGEH-1) was drilled to investigate the potential of the Coso Hot Springs Known Geothermal Resource Area (KGRA) in southeastern California. Detailed background information is contained in the drilling plan, ''Coso Geothermal Exploratory Hole No. 1 (CGEH-1),'' NVO-184, dated June 1977. The purpose of this supplement to NVO-184 is to establish a plan of operations for testing the resource after completion of well drilling activities. Major elements of this plan include setting forth the management and organizational concept to be followed, describing the generalized site activities required and the well testing operations, and establishing schedules, environmental considerations, and technical documentation requirements. The objective of this testing is to determine the well productivity and geothermal reservoir parameters. The testing will consist of both static and dynamic measurements. The static measurements will include wellhead pressure monitoring plus downhole temperature and pressure surveys conducted with the well shut in. The dynamic measurements will include downhole and surface pressure, temperature, and flow rate data with the well producing at varying rates. Two types of dynamic tests are contemplated; the first utilizing the James Method and the second utilizing a separator test system, if justified by an evaluation of the resource potential Title: Testing Operations Plan: Coso Geothermal Exploratory Hole No. 1 (CGEH-1) Author: Nevada Operations Office; Naval Weapons Center, China Lake Year: 1978 Coso Geothermal Exploratory Hole No. 1 (CGEH-1) was drilled to investigate the potential of the Coso Hot Springs Known Geothermal Resource Area (KGRA) in southeastern California. Detailed background information is contained in the drilling plan, ''Coso Geothermal Exploratory Hole No. 1 (CGEH-1),'' NVO-184, dated June 1977. The purpose of this supplement to NVO-184 is to establish a plan of operations for testing the resource after completion of well drilling activities. Major elements of this plan include setting forth the management and organizational concept to be followed, describing the generalized site activities required and the well testing operations, and establishing schedules, environmental considerations, and technical documentation requirements. The objective of this testing is to determine the well productivity and geothermal reservoir parameters. The testing will consist of both static and dynamic measurements. The static measurements will include wellhead pressure monitoring plus downhole temperature and pressure surveys conducted with the well shut in. The dynamic measurements will include downhole and surface pressure, temperature, and flow rate data with the well producing at varying rates. Two types of dynamic tests are contemplated; the first utilizing the James Method and the second utilizing a separator test system, if justified by an evaluation of the resource potential Close