Directional drilling and equipment for hot granite wells
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM
Directional drilling technology was extended and modified to drill the first well of a subsurface geothermal energy extraction system at the Fenton Hill, New Mexico, hot dry rock (HDR) experimental site. Drilling equipment and techniques used in drilling wellbores for extraction of geothermal energy from hot granite were generally similar to those that are standard and common to hydrocarbon drilling practices. However, it was necessary to design some new equipment for this program; some equipment was modified especially for this program and some was operated beyond normal ratings. These tools and procedures met with various degrees of success. Two types of shock subs were developed and tested during this project. However, downhole time was limitsd, and formations were so varied that analysis of the capabilities of these items is not conclusive. Temperature limits of the tools were exceeded. Commercial drilling and fishing jars were improved during the drilling program. Three-cone, tungsten-carbide insert bit performance with downhole motors was limited by rapid gauge wear. Rotary drilling was optimized for wells EE-2 and EE-3 using softer (IADS 635 code) bits and provided a balance between gauge, cutting structure, and bearing life. Problems of extreme drill string drag, drill string twist-off, and corrosion control are discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 7369360
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-81-0036C; CONF-810105-
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Directional drilling equipment and techniques for deep hot granite wells
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Related Subjects
150901* -- Geothermal Engineering-- Drilling Technology & Well Hardware
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CORROSION
DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
DRILLING
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
DRILLS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
EQUIPMENT
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
GEOTHERMAL WELLS
GRANITES
Geothermal Legacy
HOT-DRY-ROCK SYSTEMS
IGNEOUS ROCKS
MACHINERY
MOTORS
NEW MEXICO
NORTH AMERICA
PERFORMANCE
PLUTONIC ROCKS
ROCKS
ROTARY DRILLING
ROTARY DRILLS
SHOCK ABSORBERS
SOUTHWEST REGION
TURBINES
TURBODRILLS
TURBOMACHINERY
USA
WELLS