Gas Chemistry in Geothermal Systems
Five new gas geothermometers are introduced. They are useful for predicting subsurface temperatures in water dominated geothermal systems. The geothermometers use data on CO{sub 2}, H{sub 2}S and H{sub 2} concentrations in fumarole steam as well as CO{sub 2}/H{sub 2} and H{sub 2}S/H{sub 2} ratios. It is demonstrated that the gas composition of fumarole steam may be used with or withour drillhole data to evaluate steam condensation in the upflow zones of geothermal systems. Uncertainty exists, however, in distinguishing between the effects of steam condensation and phase separation at elevated pressures. The gas content in steam from discharging wells and the solute content of the water phase can be used to evaluate which boiling processes lead to "excess steam" in the discharge and at which temperature this "excess steam" is added to the fluid moving through the aquifer and into the well. Examples, using field data, are given to demonstrate all the mentioned applications of geothermal chemistry.
- Research Organization:
- Science Institute, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland; Reykjavik Municipal District Heating Service, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE - Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT03-80SF11459
- OSTI ID:
- 889606
- Report Number(s):
- SGP-TR-74-29
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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