Determination of important physicochemical processes at an aquifer thermal-energy-storage site in Minnesota using both laboratory and field techniques

Conference · Tue Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1983

OSTI ID:6001185

Blair, S C; Deutsch, W J

Laboratory, field and geochemical studies have been conducted to characterize physicochemical processes active at the ATES Field Test Facility in St. Paul, Minnesota. These studies provided valuable input to FTF startup and operation as well as insight into the nature of important physicochemical processes in the storage aquifer. Field study results showed that oversaturation of calcite in the heated ground water caused problems in system operation. Field tests also showed suspended solids content of the fluid stream to be within acceptable limits and provided baseline data that aided in guiding operation of the system. Laboratory studies on core samples form the storage aquifer indicated that permeability remained constant over a range of temperature from 25 to 150/sup 0/C and that migration of internal fines may occur when flow direction is reversed. Geochemical studies of the effect of temperature on fluid chemistry provided essential input for interpreting both field and laboratory test results.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 6001185
• Report Number(s): PNL-SA-10738; CONF-830670-2; ON: DE83014493
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
250600* -- Energy Storage-- Thermal
AQUIFERS
CHEMISTRY
ENERGY STORAGE
FEDERAL REGION V
FIELD TESTS
GEOCHEMISTRY
HEAT STORAGE
MINNESOTA
NORTH AMERICA
PERMEABILITY
ROCKS
SANDSTONES
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SENSIBLE HEAT STORAGE
STORAGE
TESTING
USA