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Cerro Prieto case history: Use of wireline logs to characterize a geothermal reservoir

Conference · · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6698021

The Cerro Prieto field, Baja California, Mexico, is located about 30 km south of the U.S. border in the Salton Trough, an actively developing structural depression filled mainly with Colorado River sediments. As part of a multidisciplinary study of this geothermal system, a comprehensive analysis of the available wireline logs was undertaken. It established the physical properties of the various sedimentary units; their depositional environment; their hydrothermal alteration; the location, attitude, and displacement of faults; and the circulation of the geothermal fluids in the field. Resistivity, density, sonic, gamma-ray, and spontaneous potential logs were used to develop the geologic model of the field and to determine the porosity, permeability, alteration, and lateral and vertical continuity of the sedimentary layers. Dipmeter logs were used mainly to establish the depositional environment of the different units. This log-derived information, combined with temperature and well completion data, allowed us to establish the circulation of geothermal fluids through the system. The accuracy of the characterization of the Cerro Prieto geothermal reservoir has been confirmed by the results of recently completed wells. The methodology used and the application of the results to further exploration and development of this high-temperature geothermal resource are discussed.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory
OSTI ID:
6698021
Report Number(s):
CONF-840495-
Journal Information:
Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Vol. SPE 12739; ISSN SEAPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English