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U.S. Department of Energy
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Laboratory permeability measurements in support of an aquifer thermal energy storage site in Minnesota

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6692643
Laboratory permeability measurements at elevated pressure and at temperatures ranging from 20 to 150/sup 0/C have been conducted on samples of Ironton-Galesville sandstone. The purpose of this testing was to identify and characterize important physicochemical processes occurring in association with the injection and withdrawal of heated ground water at the US Department of Energy's Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) field site in St. Paul, Minnesota. Results indicate that permeability decreased significantly as temperature was increased and that dissolution of the dolomite and silicate cementing agents and accompanying changes in mechanical properties may occur in the heat storage aquifer at St. Paul. Further, loss of permeability with temperature in laboratory samples may be caused by the change in the mechanical structure of the sample. Tests at ambient temperature to evaluate the effect of particle migration under conditions of reversed flow indicate that this process will not significantly impair formation permeability at the St. Paul site.
Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
6692643
Report Number(s):
PNL-SA-11844; CONF-840633-14; ON: DE84015576
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English