Improving Down-Hole Working Time of PTS Probes Used in Geothermal Wells
- Key words
- Down-hole measurements; well testing; pressure; temperature; spinner; PTS; HT-Electronics; Dewar flask
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 2014
- Session
- Well testing; Equipment design
- Language
- English
Abstract
A survey was conducted of the current state of electronics and electronic packaging that could be used for geothermal PTS probes. Techniques for high temperature performance were reviewed including the use of Dewar flasks for thermal isolation, and development of electronics for operation at higher temperatures. An in-depth analysis of the performance of the widely used commercial PTS tool developed by MBCentury Ltd. was completed using SolidWorks? thermal simulation software. The thermal model was optimized and compared to PTS probe test data taken from five different test cases. The final model was then used to evaluate different heat sink materials. Results showed that the current tool design cannot be easily optimized further. However, predictions based on the model showed a possible alternative operating procedure that may provide an increase in the operating down-hole time of the tool.
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