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Geothermal geopressure resources and problems of the Gulf Coast

Journal Article · · Geotherm. Energy Mag., v. 1, no. 1, pp. 39-42
OSTI ID:4358385
Technology exists to pump large quantities of water up to pressures of 3500 to 4000 lbs/in/sup 2/ for supercritical boilers in fossilfueled steam power plants. This pump experience can be applied to a high-pressure water turbine that would extract the pressure energy from the geopressured fluid and discharge the fluid at conditions of pressure and temperature such that its thermal energy could be extracted. Geopressured fluids are normally saturated with methane and could be economically recovered. Hot interstitial water in deep overpressured sedimentary basins of greater-thannormal temperatures exist in the Gulf Coast from the Rio Grande to eastern Mississippi. The geology and hydrology of the region are reviewed. Abundant data are available for geopressured gas reservoirs. With favorable conditions, it is expected that wells could be made to produce 3 to 5 million gallons/day of water at 350 to 400 deg F, having a closed-in pressure at the well head of 4,000 to 5,000 psig, the water containing less than 10,000 mg/1 dissolved solids, and 0.3 to 1.0 standard cubic feet of hydrocarbon gas per gallon of water. (MCW)
Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-29-015040
OSTI ID:
4358385
Journal Information:
Geotherm. Energy Mag., v. 1, no. 1, pp. 39-42, Journal Name: Geotherm. Energy Mag., v. 1, no. 1, pp. 39-42; ISSN GTEMA
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English

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