Pressure and Temperature Measurements and Sampling in Geothermal Wells

Abstract

Denver Research Institute, in the course of a program for establishing a manual for the design wells for exploitation of hydrothermal sources of geothermal energy, developed a need for highly accurate temperature and pressure measurements, and for determining the chemical composition of the fluid deep within the well, before flashing took place. Therefore, DRI reviewed the scientific principles available for performing such measurements, and designed a probe for T and P measurements in real time. This probe was tested for the first time in well 8-1 in the East Mesa field in September 1976. The sampler selected for high temperatures is based on a design that was developed at the LOs Alamos Laboratories, but commercially available samplers can be used at temperatures up to about 400°F. Laboratory and field results, and a comparative review of measurement tools available to the geothermal industry, are reported. Experiences of other investigators, and current industry trends, are also summarized.