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Title: Reservoir Fracturing in the Geysers Hydrothermal System: Fact or Fallacy?

Conference ·
OSTI ID:887087

Proper application of proven worldwide fracture determination analyses adequately aids in the detection and enhanced exploitation of reservoir fractures in The Geysers steam field. Obsolete, superficial ideas concerning fracturing in this resource have guided various malformed judgements of the actual elusive trends. Utilizing regional/local tectonics with theoretical rack mechanics and drilling statistics, offers the most favorable method of fracture comprehension. Exploitation philosophies should favor lateral drilling trends along local tensional components and under specific profound drainage/faulting manifestations to enhance high productivities. Drill core observations demonstrate various degrees of fracture filling, brecciation, strain responses, and rock fracture properties, giving the most favorable impression of subsurface reservoir conditions. Considerably more work utilizing current fracturing principles and geologic thought is required to adequately comprehend and economically exploit this huge complex resource.

Research Organization:
Diamond Shamrock Thermal Power Co., Santa Rosa, California
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AS03-80SF11459; AS07-84ID12529
OSTI ID:
887087
Report Number(s):
SGP-TR-93-7; TRN: US200618%%64
Resource Relation:
Conference: Proceedings, Eleventh Workshop Geothermal Reservoir Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, January 21-23, 1986
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English