A review of the hydrogeologic-geochemical model for Cerro Prieto
- Lawrence Berkeley Lab., Berkeley, CA (US)
With continued exploitation of the Cerro Prieto, Mexico, geothermal field, there is increasing evidence that the hydrogeologic model developed by Halfman and co-workers presents the basic features controlling the movement of geothermal fluids in the system. In mid-1987 the total installed capacity at Cerro Prieto reached 620 MW{sub c}, requiring a large rate of fluid production (more than 10,500 tonnes/hr of a brine-steam mixture; August 1988). This significant mass extraction has led to changes in reservoir thermodynamic conditions and in the chemistry of the produced fluids. Pressure drawdown has caused an increase in cold water recharge in the southern and western edges of the field, and local and general reservoir boiling in parts of the geothermal system. In this paper, after reviewing the hydrogeologic and geochemical models of Cerro Prieto, the exploitation-induced cold water recharge and reservoir boiling (and plugging) observed in different areas of the field, are discussed and interpreted on the basis of these models and schematic flow models that describe the hydrogeology.
- OSTI ID:
- 7309592
- Journal Information:
- Geothermics (International Journal of Geothermal Research and its Applications); (United States), Journal Name: Geothermics (International Journal of Geothermal Research and its Applications); (United States) Vol. 20:5; ISSN GTMCA; ISSN 0375-6505
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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