Fractures, stress and fluid flow prior to stimulation of well 27-15, Desert Peak, Nevada, EGS project

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Abstract

A suite of geophysical logs has been acquired for structural, fluid flow and stress analysis of well 27-15 in the Desert Peak Geothermal Field, Nevada, in preparation for stimulation and development of an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS). Advanced Logic Technologies Borehole Televiewer (BHTV) and Schlumberger Formation MicroScanner (FMS) image logs reveal extensive drilling-induced tensile fractures, showing that the current minimum compressive horizontal stress, Shmin, in the vicinity of well 27-15 is oriented along an azimuth of 114±17°. This orientation is consistent with the dip direction of recently active normal faults mapped at the surface and with extensive sets of fractures and some formation boundaries seen in the BHTV and FMS logs. Temperature and spinner flowmeter surveys reveal several minor flowing fractures that are well oriented for normal slip, although over-all permeability in the well is quite low. These results indicate that well 27-15 is a viable candidate for EGS stimulation and complements research by other investigators including cuttings analysis, a reflection seismic survey, pressure transient and tracer testing, and micro-seismic monitoring.

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Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference publication
Title Fractures, stress and fluid flow prior to stimulation of well 27-15, Desert Peak, Nevada, EGS project
Year Published 2009
Language English
Publisher Standford University
Contributing office(s) Earthquake Science Center
Description 11 p.
Larger Work Type Conference Paper
Larger Work Title Proceedings: Thirty-Fourth Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering
Conference Title Thirty-Fourth Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering
Conference Location Stanford, CA
Conference Date February 9-11, 2009
Country United States
State Nevada
Other Geospatial Desert Peak Geothermal Field
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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