Title:

Reducing Risk of Geothermal Exploration Using the MMR Technique: an Early Exploration Process

Authors:

Eric J. KLINGEL

Key Words:

Geothermal, Exploration, Risk, Gas, Geothermometers

Conference:

Stanford Geothermal Workshop

Year:

2019

Session:

Geology

Language:

English

Paper Number:

Klingel

File Size:

1278 KB

View File:

Abstract:

The magmatic, mantel and radiogenic (MMR) subsurface gas geothermal exploration techniques were developed in 2010 to reduce the costs and risks of geothermal exploration at geothermal plays and to assist in locating areas at these plays for exploration geophysics and drilling. The main objective of the MMR technique is to determine if a location can be considered a geothermal resource, where further surface geophysics and exploration drilling would be beneficial. The investigation of potential geothermal sources using MMR includes: 1) desktop study 2) geologic site investigations 3) MMR subsurface gas sampling and analysis 4) quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the gases and 5) calculation of gas geothermometers. The MMR gas and geologic exploration technique has been used at 21 locations in four countries and in the United States at potential geothermal source sites. The site results discussed in this paper are from 230 sample locations where 1) no specific identification of a geothermal source has been located, or 2) siting information was needed for new production pads at a known geothermal resource. The MMR gas sampling component of this exploration procedure is a collection of gas samples from shallow gas sampling points, fumaroles, steaming ground, spring and wells. The subsurface gases are collected in Giggenbach bottles and/or copper tubes and analyzed for O2, CO2, Ar, CO, N2, He, H2S and CH4 and carbon and helium gas isotopes. Then integration of the data, gas rations, analysis, geothemometers and site geologic information, is used to determine if the identified potential thermal energy resources in-place can be developed into a geothermal resource.


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