Evaluation of sintered bauxite proppant for binary enhanced geothermal systems

KC, Bijay; Ghazanfari, Ehsan; McLennan, John; Frash, Luke P.; Meng, Meng

doi:10.1007/s40948-023-00719-9

Title: Evaluation of sintered bauxite proppant for binary enhanced geothermal systems

Journal Article · 22 January 2024 · Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40948-023-00719-9 · OSTI ID:2282394

KC, Bijay; Ghazanfari, Ehsan; McLennan, John; Frash, Luke P.; Meng, Meng

Abstract Solid granular proppant particles are widely used in oil and gas development to sustain permeability through fractures after hydraulic stimulation. Similar proppants are of interest for geothermal applications where the goal of sustaining permeability is the same, but the harsh geothermal environment risks rapid proppant degradation that will reduce fracture permeability. Here, we present proppant conductivity experiments using saw cut granite, tensile fractured granite, and aluminum control specimens packed with sintered bauxite ceramic proppants at concentrations of 0.0, 0.1, and 1.0 kg/m ² . Simulated geothermal conditions included temperatures up to 130 °C and normal closure stresses up to 60 MPa. Compared to unpropped specimens, peak fracture conductivity enhancement was up to 6 orders of magnitude. At simulated geothermal conditions, proppants were able to sustain fracture conductivity over 60 h, but chemical dissolution and decreasing permeability over time were evident. Irreversible conductivity reductions with crushing and embedment of proppants during loading stages were also observed. Overall, sintered bauxite proppant remains a promising option for low-temperature binary-cycle enhanced geothermal systems.

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Research Organization:: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)

Grant/Contract Number:: 89233218CNA000001

OSTI ID:: 2282394

Report Number(s):: LA-UR-23-30854; 21; PII: 719

Journal Information:: Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources, Journal Name: Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 10; ISSN 2363-8419

Publisher:: Springer Science + Business MediaCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: Switzerland

Language:: English

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