Geothermal drilling in Cerro Prieto
To date, 71 goethermal wells have been drilled in Cerro Prieto. The activity has been divided into several stages, and, in each stage, attempts have been made to correct deficiencies that were gradually detected. Some of these problems have been solved; others, such as those pertaining to well casing, cement, and cementing jobs, have persisted. The procedures for well completion - the most important aspect for the success of a well - that were based on conventional oil well criteria have been improved to meet the conditions of the geothermal reservoir. Several technical aspects that have improved should be further optimized, even though the resolutions are considered to be reasonably satisfactory. Particular attention has been given to the development of a high-temperature drilling fluid capable of being used in drilling through lost circulation zones. Conventional oil well drilling techniques have been used except where hole-sloughing is a problem. Sulfonate lignitic mud systems have been used with good results. When temperatures exceed 300/sup 0/C (572/sup 0/F), it has been necessary to use an organic polymer to stabilize the mud properties.
- Research Organization:
- Comision Federal de Electricidad de Mexico, Calexico, CA
- OSTI ID:
- 7369365
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-81-0036C; CONF-810105-
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: International geothermal drilling and completions technology conference, Albuquerque, NM, USA, 21 Jan 1981; Related Information: In: Proceedings of the international conference on geothermal drilling and completion technology, by
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Comments on some of the drilling and completion problems in Cerro Prieto geothermal wells
Geothermal drilling in Cerro Prieto
Related Subjects
CERRO PRIETO GEOTHERMAL FIELD
WELL DRILLING
GEOTHERMAL WELLS
DRILLING
CEMENTS
DRILLING FLUIDS
MEXICO
WELL CASINGS
BUILDING MATERIALS
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
FLUIDS
GEOTHERMAL FIELDS
LATIN AMERICA
MATERIALS
NORTH AMERICA
WELLS
Geothermal Legacy
150901* - Geothermal Engineering- Drilling Technology & Well Hardware