Recent Advancements in High-Temperature, High-Reliability Electronics Will Alter the Geothermal Industry

Abstract

New high-temperature semiconductors that were being studied in the universities ten years ago are now becoming a commercial reality. SiC (Silicon-Carbide) micro-machine (MEM) pressure sensors are already commercial. This technology can easily operate up to 500 C (752 F). Another high-temperature semiconductor process called Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) has been used to build microprocessor data acquisition systems. These systems can operate up to 300 C within a logging tool WITHOUT any heat shielding. Already, high-temperature electronic sensor systems can continuously monitor deep within a geothermal well at up to 225 C. Future systems will operate hotter and last longer. This paper looks at the future of geothermal logging, drilling and reservoir monitoring equipment. Future control systems could actually guide drilling and control production while never leaving the well. Examples of how aerospace requirements are driving the development of new high-temperature electronics and sensors are given.