In Situ Determination of Heat Flow in Unconsolidated Sediments
- Key words
- Drilling; Through Bit; Conductivity; USA; Gradient Hole; Heat Source; Heat Flux; Temperature Gradient; Field Method; Bottom Hole Probe; Porosity; Thermal Disturbance; USGS
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1979
- Session
- Well logging; Heat flow; Temperature gradients; Thermal cond
- Language
- English
Abstract
A technique that provides reliable "real-time" in situ determinations of heat flow during the drilling operation in unconsolidated sediments has been developed. A combined temperature gradient, and thermal conductivity experiment can be carried out by driving a thin probe through the bit about 1.5 meters into the formation in the tie that would otherwise be required for coring trip. Two or three such experiments over the depth range of 50 to 150 meters provide a high quality heat flow determination at costs comparable to those associated with a standard cased "gradient hole" to comparable depths. The hole can be backfilled and abandoned upon cessation of drilling thereby eliminating the need for casing, grouting or repeated site visits.
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