Evaluation of Physics-Based Limiter Redesign Drilling and Alternative Bit Design at The Geysers

Conference · Thu Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 2024

OSTI ID:2377754

So, Peter ^[1]; Wriedt, Justin ^[1]; DeOreo, Stephen ^[1]; Stark, Mitch ^[2]; McLennan, John ^[3]; Deo, Milind ^[3]; Noynaert, Samuel F. ^[4]; Raymond, David ^[5]; Schneider, Melanie ^[5]; Su, Jiann ^[5]

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1. Geysers Power Company, LLC, Middletown, CA (United States)
2. Stark Industries Geothermal Resources Consulting
3. Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (United States)
4. Texas A & M Univ., College Station, TX (United States)
5. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

As part of a U.S. DOE Geothermal Technologies Office funding opportunity, Geysers Power Company, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Calpine Corporation, partnered with Sandia National Labs, EGI at the University of Utah, and Texas A&M University to demonstrate increased drilling performance at The Geysers Geothermal Field. The performance target in the drilling demonstrations is at least a 25% improvement in rates of penetration with increased time on bottom for each bit. The project will leverage advances in oil and gas drilling technologies including PDC bits, along with the physics-based limiter redesign techniques championed in drilling demonstrations conducted at the Utah FORGE geothermal site. The planned drilling demonstrations are being conducted as part of an existing drilling campaign intended to enhance reservoir utilization. The wells are typically drilled to the top of the reservoir with mud and then air-drilled to total depth (TD) through fractured zones at temperatures ≥ 450°F. A major goal of the project is to assess the effectiveness of implementing mechanical specific energy (MSE) and drilling dysfunction diagnosis and remediation in these challenging environments, as well as alternate bit technologies. The first demonstration well has been completed, with a total of 15 PDC bit runs in the 17.5”, 12.25” and 8.5” sections. Initial analysis shows ROP gains in all three hole sections, especially in the 17.5” and 12.25” sections, compared with conventional roller cone bit runs in the demonstration well and offset wells. However in the 8.5” hole, wear and damage to the PDC bits resulted in relatively short bit runs. Analysis is underway to take advantage of the positive results and remediate the challenges.

• Research Organization: Geysers Power Company, LLC, Middletown, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Geothermal Technologies Office
• DOE Contract Number: EE0010445; EE0010445
• OSTI ID: 2377754
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
drilling
geothermal
hydrothermal