Thermal Stimulation to Improve the Permeability of Geothermal Wells in Los Humeros Geothermal Field

Abstract

The thermal stimulation is a technique that was applied successfully in geothermal wells in Los Humeros Geothermal Field, with the object to increase the secondary permeability in production rock through thermal shocking. Intermittent cold water injection with period of thermal recovery between the injection periods. The methods used involve intermittent cold water injection with the purpose of causing cracking through thermal shocking, which causes a break in the rock and open new channels or increase the opening of the existing channels in the rock. In Los Humeros Geothermal Field has been applying this technique to improve the permeability of the producing zones of wells, due to low permeability in the geothermal field. The Wells that have been carried out were: H-40, H-41, H-43, H-44 and H-45. This paper describes the technique applied in each and the results obtained.