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

Journal Article · · J. Pet. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/12020-PA· OSTI ID:6057807

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