Selection of an Interval for Massive Hydraulic Stimulation in Well DP 23-1, Desert Peak East EGS Project, Nevada

Abstract

As part of a DOE-industry cost-shared EGS project at
Desert Peak East, Nevada, the feasibility of
performing a massive hydraulic stimulation on an
existing dry hole (DP 23-1) is being investigated.
Using cuttings from this well and cores from a nearby
hole, the stratigraphic sequence in the project area
has been re-evaluated. Furthermore, detailed
information on lithology and mineralogy in well
DP 23-1 has been derived from a systematic
examination of cuttings, using petrography and X-ray
diffraction techniques. A wellbore image log
obtained over a significant portion of the open hole
has been analyzed in terms of the distribution and
orientation of natural fractures and borehole failure
phenomena (tensile fractures and breakouts). The
features analyzed from the image log are compared
with lithology, mineralogy, drilling rate and other
geophysical logs to help determine the most
prospective interval for stimulation.