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Interpretation of radon concentration in the Serrazzano zone of the Larderello geothermal field

Conference ·
OSTI ID:7369544

Wellhead concentrations of radon were made at 22 wells in the south-west region of the Larderello geothermal fields by two analytical methods, a field measurement and a laboratory measurement. The radon concentrations were correlated with average specific volume of superheated steam for each well estimated from available thermodynamic parameters of the reservoir. The correlation was improved by adjusting the specific volume of steam by a mass steam saturation value calculated at the boiling front from chemical fluid composition for each well by a method developed by D'Amore and Celati. A compressible flow model for radon transport developed by Sakakura et al. was also tested. The results confirm that radon behavior in geothermal systems is characterized by thermodynamic conditions in the reservoir. In the Serrazzano zone, abnormally high values of radon concentration with respect to estimated specific volume in four of the 22 wells were observed in an area of proposed low permeability. The high values may also result from higher emanating power or lower porosity in this zone. A cross-section normal to the zone of low permeability between the two basins shows a similar radon profile as noted in a Geysers production zone. A comparison of these data with the set obtained in 1976 by D'Amore shows relatively constant radon concentration despite several wells having large variations in gas/steam ratios.

OSTI ID:
7369544
Report Number(s):
SGP-TR-60; CONF-821214-45; ON: DE83015865
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English