A review of the hydrogeologic-geochemical model for Cerro Prieto

Geothermics
By: , and 

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Abstract

With continued exploitation of the Cerro Prieto, Mexico, geothermal field, there is increasing evidence that the hydrogeologic model developed by Halfman and co-workers presents the basic features controlling the movement of geothermal fluids in the system. In mid–1987 the total installed capacity at Cerro Prieto reached 620 MWc, requiring a large rate of fluid production (more than 10,500 tonnes/hr of a brine-steam mixture; August 1988). This significant mass extraction has led to changes in reservoir thermodynamic conditions and in the chemistry of the produced fluids. Pressure drawdown has caused an increase in cold water recharge in the southern and western edges of the field, and local and general reservoir boiling in parts of the geothermal system.

After reviewing the hydrogeologic and geochemical models of Cerro Prieto, the exploitation-induced cold water recharge and reservoir boiling (and plugging) observed in different areas of the field, are discussed and interpreted on the basis of these models and schematic flow models that describe the hydrogeology.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title A review of the hydrogeologic-geochemical model for Cerro Prieto
Series title Geothermics
DOI 10.1016/0375-6505(91)90004-F
Volume 20
Issue 1-2
Year Published 1991
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Southwest Biological Science Center
Description 14 p.
First page 39
Last page 52
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