Properties of geopressured brines and wells in the Gulf Coast and opportunities for industrial/research participation

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:5999731

Negus-de Wys, J

Geopressured reservoirs exhibit pressure gradients in excess of the normal hydrostatic gradient. (In the Gulf Coast area the normal gradient is 0.465 psi/ft.) Pressures may approach lithostatic pressure and have been measured as high as 1.05 psi/ft in the Gulf Coast area. Geopressured basins exist worldwide and in a number of US locations, east, west, north and south. The Gulf Coast area has been studied extensively and is the subject of the DOE geopressured-geothermal research at present. Present industrial interest in the Pleasant Bayou and Hulin wells include: desalination plants, an economic study by a power company for regional use, use of generated electricity by a coalition of towns, aquaculture (catfish farming) research program, and an unsolicited proposal for enhanced oil recovery of heavy oil. Direct uses of the hot brine cover dozens of industries and processes. An example of multiple uses in the USSR is shown. A research spin-off: a sensitive in-line benzene monitor has been designed by USL and will be tested in the near future. An in-line pH monitor is also under development for the harsh conditions of the geopressured-geothermal wells. 24 refs., 12 figs.

• Research Organization: EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls, ID (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-76ID01570
• OSTI ID: 5999731
• Report Number(s): EGG-M-89081; CONF-890352-10; ON: DE89016169
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
ALKANES
BRINES
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FEDERAL REGION VI
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOPRESSURED SYSTEMS
GEOTHERMAL WELLS
Geothermal Legacy
HYDROCARBONS
INDUSTRY
LOUISIANA
METHANE
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
RESERVOIR PRESSURE
RESOURCES
SOLUBILITY
TEXAS
USA
WELL LOGGING
WELL PRESSURE
WELLS