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] 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

• 3. [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

• 4. [Image] Low-Temperature Geothermal Reservoir Site Evaluation in Arizona. Quarterly Progress Report, November 1, 1977--January 31, 1978

  	The Department of Energy, Division of Geothermal Energy, has charged the Bureau of Geology and Mineral Technology, Geological Survey Branch with development of a cost-effective exploration program for ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Low-Temperature Geothermal Reservoir Site Evaluation in Arizona. Quarterly Progress Report, November 1, 1977--January 31, 1978 Author: Hahman, W.R. Sr. Year: 1978 The Department of Energy, Division of Geothermal Energy, has charged the Bureau of Geology and Mineral Technology, Geological Survey Branch with development of a cost-effective exploration program for low- to moderate-temperature geothermal resources. As part of this program two or three demonstration projects in Arizona will be brought on stream. The site-specific exploration, evaluation and development program as well as the state wide reconnaissance exploration program is continuing. The compilation of data for the 1 : 500,000 geothermal energy resource map is continuing. Drafting and data collection for the 1 : 1,000,000 Preliminary map, Geothermal Energy Resources of Arizona, Geothermal Map No. 1, requested the first week in January by DOE/DGE is nearing completion. This preliminary map should be published in March, 1978. All outside projects are either complete or on schedule Title: Low-Temperature Geothermal Reservoir Site Evaluation in Arizona. Quarterly Progress Report, November 1, 1977--January 31, 1978 Author: Hahman, W.R. Sr. Year: 1978 The Department of Energy, Division of Geothermal Energy, has charged the Bureau of Geology and Mineral Technology, Geological Survey Branch with development of a cost-effective exploration program for low- to moderate-temperature geothermal resources. As part of this program two or three demonstration projects in Arizona will be brought on stream. The site-specific exploration, evaluation and development program as well as the state wide reconnaissance exploration program is continuing. The compilation of data for the 1 : 500,000 geothermal energy resource map is continuing. Drafting and data collection for the 1 : 1,000,000 Preliminary map, Geothermal Energy Resources of Arizona, Geothermal Map No. 1, requested the first week in January by DOE/DGE is nearing completion. This preliminary map should be published in March, 1978. All outside projects are either complete or on schedule Close

• 5. [Image] Evaluation and Design of Downhole Heat Exchangers for Direct Application; Annual Report, May 1, 1976 - July 1, 1977

  	Progress in an experimental and analytical research program to evaluate and improve the design of downhole heat exchangers (DHEs) for direct applications of geothermal energy is reported. Significant progress ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Evaluation and Design of Downhole Heat Exchangers for Direct Application; Annual Report, May 1, 1976 - July 1, 1977 Author: Culver, G.G. Year: 1977 Progress in an experimental and analytical research program to evaluate and improve the design of downhole heat exchangers (DHEs) for direct applications of geothermal energy is reported. Significant progress has been achieved in characterizing flows in wells and without perforated casings and DHEs installed, determination of energy extraction rates for conventional DHEs in both cased and uncased wells, and utilization of information obtained to develop and substantiate models of heat transfer within the well. Flow characterization was obtained by experimentally measuring temperature and velocity profiles. In uncased wells, there was a relatively large vertical temperature gradient (approximately 0.5{sup 0}C/m) and insignificant measured vertical flow, while for the same wells when cased the temperature gradient was essentially zero (approximately 0.03{sup 0}C/m) and a large vertically upward flow was measured (9 to 14 cm/s as measured with a hot-film anemometer). These show that a significant connection cell is established after installation of the casing. The energy extraction rates for a conventional DHE both before and after casing of a 60 m deep well was experimentally measured. In the uncased well up to 300 kW was obtained while the cased well produced over 500 kW. Analytical heat transfer models were developed for the cased well both with and without DHEs. For the cased well without a DHE, the model predicts flow rates that agree with the measured value within about 30 percent. Further, the energy extraction rates predicted by the models agree even better with the measured values. These models allow the energy extraction rates of design parameter variations to be evaluated. At this stage, only trends can be shown but with additional substantiation they should produce optimum energy extraction designs Title: Evaluation and Design of Downhole Heat Exchangers for Direct Application; Annual Report, May 1, 1976 - July 1, 1977 Author: Culver, G.G. Year: 1977 Progress in an experimental and analytical research program to evaluate and improve the design of downhole heat exchangers (DHEs) for direct applications of geothermal energy is reported. Significant progress has been achieved in characterizing flows in wells and without perforated casings and DHEs installed, determination of energy extraction rates for conventional DHEs in both cased and uncased wells, and utilization of information obtained to develop and substantiate models of heat transfer within the well. Flow characterization was obtained by experimentally measuring temperature and velocity profiles. In uncased wells, there was a relatively large vertical temperature gradient (approximately 0.5{sup 0}C/m) and insignificant measured vertical flow, while for the same wells when cased the temperature gradient was essentially zero (approximately 0.03{sup 0}C/m) and a large vertically upward flow was measured (9 to 14 cm/s as measured with a hot-film anemometer). These show that a significant connection cell is established after installation of the casing. The energy extraction rates for a conventional DHE both before and after casing of a 60 m deep well was experimentally measured. In the uncased well up to 300 kW was obtained while the cased well produced over 500 kW. Analytical heat transfer models were developed for the cased well both with and without DHEs. For the cased well without a DHE, the model predicts flow rates that agree with the measured value within about 30 percent. Further, the energy extraction rates predicted by the models agree even better with the measured values. These models allow the energy extraction rates of design parameter variations to be evaluated. At this stage, only trends can be shown but with additional substantiation they should produce optimum energy extraction designs 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] Low-Temperature Geothermal Reservoir Site Evaluation in Arizona Quarterly Progress Report for Periods: May 1, 1977 - July 31, 1977; August 1, 1977 – October 31, 1977; November 1, 1977 – January 31, 1978

  	Progress in the development of a cost-effective exploration program for low- to moderate-temperature geothermal resources is reported. As part of this program two or three demonstration projects in Arizona ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Low-Temperature Geothermal Reservoir Site Evaluation in Arizona Quarterly Progress Report for Periods: May 1, 1977 - July 31, 1977; August 1, 1977 – October 31, 1977; November 1, 1977 – January 31, 1978 Author: Hahman, W.R. Sr. Year: 1978 Progress in the development of a cost-effective exploration program for low- to moderate-temperature geothermal resources is reported. As part of this program two or three demonstration projects in Arizona will be brought on stream. The site-specific exploration, evaluation and development program as well as the state wide reconnaissance exploration program is continuing. The compilation of data for a geothermal energy resource map of Arizona has commenced. Geological field work was directed towards obtaining a broad overview of Arizona geology and regional reconnaissance in the Springerville - St. Johns area. All outside projects are on schedule and the Landsat lineament map and report have been completed Title: Low-Temperature Geothermal Reservoir Site Evaluation in Arizona Quarterly Progress Report for Periods: May 1, 1977 - July 31, 1977; August 1, 1977 – October 31, 1977; November 1, 1977 – January 31, 1978 Author: Hahman, W.R. Sr. Year: 1978 Progress in the development of a cost-effective exploration program for low- to moderate-temperature geothermal resources is reported. As part of this program two or three demonstration projects in Arizona will be brought on stream. The site-specific exploration, evaluation and development program as well as the state wide reconnaissance exploration program is continuing. The compilation of data for a geothermal energy resource map of Arizona has commenced. Geological field work was directed towards obtaining a broad overview of Arizona geology and regional reconnaissance in the Springerville - St. Johns area. All outside projects are on schedule and the Landsat lineament map and report have been completed Close

• 8. [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

• 9. [Image] Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program: Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1985

  	The primary objective for the Hot Dry Rock Program at the Los Alamos National Laboratory during fiscal year 1985 was to complete the Phase 2 reservoir connection and to begin flow testing the resulting ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program: Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1985 Author: Brown, D.W. Year: 1987 The primary objective for the Hot Dry Rock Program at the Los Alamos National Laboratory during fiscal year 1985 was to complete the Phase 2 reservoir connection and to begin flow testing the resulting reservoir. The connection was achieved through redrilling one well and additional fracturing operations, and progress was made toward developing a detailed understanding of the fractured region through a variety of reservoir interrogation methods. Other accomplishments during the fiscal year included improvement of the high-temperature, inflatable, open-hole packer used to isolate sections of the uncased wellbore in collaboration with the Baker Corporation and the design and fabrication of a high-temperature borehole acoustic televiewer in a cooperative program with a research institute in West Germany. Progress was also made in techniques for the collection and analysis of microseismic data. Reservoir-engineering activities and geochemical studies, as well as the more routine support activities, continued in FY85. 18 refs., 15 figs. Title: Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program: Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1985 Author: Brown, D.W. Year: 1987 The primary objective for the Hot Dry Rock Program at the Los Alamos National Laboratory during fiscal year 1985 was to complete the Phase 2 reservoir connection and to begin flow testing the resulting reservoir. The connection was achieved through redrilling one well and additional fracturing operations, and progress was made toward developing a detailed understanding of the fractured region through a variety of reservoir interrogation methods. Other accomplishments during the fiscal year included improvement of the high-temperature, inflatable, open-hole packer used to isolate sections of the uncased wellbore in collaboration with the Baker Corporation and the design and fabrication of a high-temperature borehole acoustic televiewer in a cooperative program with a research institute in West Germany. Progress was also made in techniques for the collection and analysis of microseismic data. Reservoir-engineering activities and geochemical studies, as well as the more routine support activities, continued in FY85. 18 refs., 15 figs. Close

• 10. [Image] Low-Temperature Geothermal Reservoir Site Evaluation in Arizona. Quarterly Progress Report, August 1, 1977--October 31, 1977

  	Progress in the development of a cost-effective exploration program for low- to moderate-temperature geothermal resources is reported. As part of this program two or three demonstration projects in Arizona ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Low-Temperature Geothermal Reservoir Site Evaluation in Arizona. Quarterly Progress Report, August 1, 1977--October 31, 1977 Author: Hahman, W.R. Sr. Year: 1977 Progress in the development of a cost-effective exploration program for low- to moderate-temperature geothermal resources is reported. As part of this program two or three demonstration projects in Arizona will be brought on stream. The site-specific exploration, evaluation and development program as well as the state wide reconnaissance exploration program is continuing. The compilation of data for a geothermal energy resource map of Arizona has commenced. Geological field work was directed towards obtaining a broad overview of Arizona geology and regional reconnaissance in the Springerville - St. Johns area. All outside projects are on schedule and the Landsat lineament map and report have been completed Title: Low-Temperature Geothermal Reservoir Site Evaluation in Arizona. Quarterly Progress Report, August 1, 1977--October 31, 1977 Author: Hahman, W.R. Sr. Year: 1977 Progress in the development of a cost-effective exploration program for low- to moderate-temperature geothermal resources is reported. As part of this program two or three demonstration projects in Arizona will be brought on stream. The site-specific exploration, evaluation and development program as well as the state wide reconnaissance exploration program is continuing. The compilation of data for a geothermal energy resource map of Arizona has commenced. Geological field work was directed towards obtaining a broad overview of Arizona geology and regional reconnaissance in the Springerville - St. Johns area. All outside projects are on schedule and the Landsat lineament map and report have been completed Close