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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Use of slim holes for geothermal exploration and reservoir assessment: A preliminary report on Japanese experience

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10175017· OSTI ID:10175017
 [1];  [2]
  1. S-Cubed, La Jolla, CA (United States)
  2. Geo Hills Associates, Los Altos Hills, CA (United States)
The publicly available Japanese data on the use of slim holes in geothermal exploration and reservoir assessment are reviewed in this report. Slim holes have been used for (1) obtaining core for geological studies, (2) delineating the stratigraphic structure, (3) characterizing reservoir fluid state (pressure, temperature, etc.), and (4) defining the permeability structure for reservoir assessment. Examples of these uses of slim hole data are presented from the Hohi Geothermal Area and the Sumikawa Geothermal Field. Discharge data from slim holes and production wells from the Oguni Geothermal Field indicate that it may be possible to infer the discharge rate of production wells based on slim hole measurements. The Japanese experience suggests that slim holes can provide useful data for cost-effective geothermal reservoir assessment. Therefore, plans for a full scale evaluation of Japanese slim hole data are outlined.
Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
10175017
Report Number(s):
SAND--93-7029; ON: DE93018446
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English