Dynamics of permeability evolution in stimulated geothermal reservoirs

By: , and 
Edited by: Tom Gleeson and Steven E. Ingebritsen

Links

Abstract

Spatially and temporally evolving permeability fields are fundamentally associated with the operation of enhanced geothermal systems. This chapter explores the resulting magnitude and patterns of permeability alteration as well as the coupled physical processes that control the evolution of permeability during shear stimulation and long-term evolution of a geothermal reservoir. It also explores mechanisms involved in the enhancement of fracture permeability, targeting injection pressures that encourage self-propping shear stimulation alongside elastic pressure and thermal dilatation of fracture sets. Simulation of a short-term, high-injection-rate enhanced geothermal system stimulation explored the importance of hydraulic versus thermal effects and the impact of a temperature differential between fluid in the fractures and the adjoining rock matrix. The effects of variations in fracture spacing on the evolution of permeability is at least as important as the magnitude of initial permeability, and quantifying the driving mechanisms is critical to understanding reservoir response.

Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title Dynamics of permeability evolution in stimulated geothermal reservoirs
Chapter 28
DOI 10.1002/9781119166573.ch28
Year Published 2017
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Volcano Science Center
Description 10 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Monograph
Larger Work Title Crustal permeability
First page 363
Last page 372
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details