GEOFRAC--an explosive stimulation technique for a geothermal well

Journal Article · Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1982 · Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5390752

Mumma, D M; Allen, W C; Hanold, R J; McCullough, F; Pye, D S; Pyle, D; Schmidt, E W

The first known attempt using explosives to stimulate a geothermal well was successfully conducted in December 1981 with a process called GEOFRAC. The 260/sup 0/C well was located at the Union Oil Company's Geysers Field in Northern California. For the initial test, 364 kg of a new explosive called HITEX II was placed at a depth of 2256 meters and detonated to verify techniques. The explosive was contained in an aluminum canister to separate it from the well fluids. In the second test, 5000 kg of explosive was used, representing a column length of approximately 191 meters. The explosive was detonated at a depth of 1697 meters in the same well. The results of these tests show that HITEX II can be safely emplaced and successfully detonated in a hot geothermal well without causing damage to the well bore or casing.

• Research Organization: Physics International Company
• OSTI ID: 5390752
• Journal Information: Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States), Vol. 6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
GEOTHERMAL WELLS
EXPLOSIVE FRACTURING
GEYSERS GEOTHERMAL FIELD
CALIFORNIA
ENHANCED RECOVERY
WELL STIMULATION
COMMINUTION
FEDERAL REGION IX
FRACTURING
GEOTHERMAL FIELDS
NORTH AMERICA
RECOVERY
STIMULATION
USA
WELLS
150906* - Geothermal Engineering- Reservoir Stimulation & Extraction Technology