Geopressured Geothermal Resource and Recoverable Energy Estimate for the Wilcox and Frio Formations, Texas (Presentation): NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

Chad Augustine

Research output: NRELPresentation

Abstract

An estimate of the total and recoverable geopressured geothermal resource of the fairways in the Wilcox and Frio formations is made using the current data available. The flow rate of water and methane for wells located in the geopressured geothermal fairways is simulated over a 20-year period utilizing the TOUGH2 Reservoir Simulator and research data. The model incorporates relative permeability,capillary pressure, rock compressibility, and leakage from the bounding shale layers. The simulations show that permeability, porosity, pressure, sandstone thickness, well spacing, and gas saturation in the sandstone have a significant impact on the percent of energy recovered. The results also predict lower average well production flow rates and a significantly higher production of natural gasrelative to water than in previous studies done from 1975 to 1980. Previous studies underestimate the amount of methane produced with hot brine. Based on the work completed in this study, multiphase flow processes and reservoir boundary conditions greatly influence the total quantity of the fluid produced as well as the ratio of gas and water in the produced fluid.
Original languageAmerican English
Number of pages21
StatePublished - 2011

Publication series

NamePresented at the Geothermal Resource Council Annual Meeting, 25 October 2011, San Diego, California

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/PR-6A20-52966

Keywords

  • geopressured geothermal energy
  • methane
  • reservoir modeling
  • resource estimate

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