An Improved Method of Flashing and Shocking Geothermal Wells

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe a quick and effective method to initially flash and/or shock a geothermal well utilizing a coiled tubing unit and nitrogen gas. Most geothermal wells in the Imperial Valley need a catalyst for initial flashing. The completion mud may be displaced with fresh water and with time the water will gain enough heat to flash. Solid carbon dioxide, or dry ice, is sometimes placed into the well where it gains heat and coverts to a gas. The carbon dioxide gas provides enough additional energy to initiate flow. A quicker more positive approach to initial flow is accomplished by displacing the wellbore fluids utilizing nitrogen gas circulated through 1" O.D. coiled tubing.