In-situ hydraulic parameters for the Carnmenellis granite hot dry rock geothermal energy research reservoir

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · J. Pet. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/12020-PA· OSTI ID:6057807

Pine, R J; Ledingham, P

A research hot dry rock (HDR) geothermal energy reservoir is currently under development in the Carnmenellis granite in Cornwall, U.K., at a depth of about 6,600 ft (2000 m). This paper details the performance, analysis, and interpretation of hydraulic tests using low to medium pressures and flow rates. These tests allowed an evaluation of the in-situ hydraulic parameters relevant to initial water storage and long-term leakage. Tests were analyzed using both diffusion theory and an explicit, coupled hydraulic/mechanical computer code. At low fluid overpressures, the permeabilities, in terms of uniform diffusion, were in the range of 1 to 10 ..mu..d, rising to about 60 ..mu..d at overpressures of about 725 psi (5 MPa). These figures imply that long-term leakage from an HDR reservoir is minor. The computer model was able to simulate several cycles of injections and shut-ins at progressively higher pressures and flow rates with a single set of variables.

• Research Organization: Golder Assocs. and Camborne School of Mines
• OSTI ID: 6057807
• Journal Information: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 36:12; ISSN JPTJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150202* -- Geology & Hydrology of Geothermal Systems-- Non-USA-- (-1989)
COMPRESSIBLE FLOW
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
ENERGY SYSTEMS
EUROPE
FIELD TESTS
FLOW RATE
FLUID FLOW
FLUID INJECTION
FLUID MECHANICS
FLUIDS
GEOLOGIC MODELS
GEOPRESSURED SYSTEMS
GEOTHERMAL FIELDS
GEOTHERMAL FLUIDS
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
GRANITES
HOT-DRY-ROCK SYSTEMS
HYDRAULICS
IGNEOUS ROCKS
INJECTION WELLS
MECHANICS
PLUTONIC ROCKS
ROCKS
SIMULATION
TESTING
UNITED KINGDOM
WELLS
WESTERN EUROPE