OVERVIEW OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURING DESIGN IN GEOTHERMAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Unlike hydrocarbon reservoirs, geothermal reservoir boundaries are somewhat vague. New wells often encounter low or even zero permeability formations. Poor or low permeability is the biggest concern for the field operators in geothermal industry. Instead of abandoning the well, the application of stimulation technique such as hydraulic fracturing can be applied to minimize this problem and revitalize the non-productive well. This technology was an adaptation of best practices in petroleum industry. A couple of promising results of improvement in production and injection capacities from previous field application in a geothermal environment have been reported. Modifiable parameters such as injection rate, concentration of proppant, proppant distribution, pump schedule and effect of certain fluid, all have very important role in the design of the hydraulic fracturing program. This paper will discuss some of the field application of this technique in geothermal environment, which instead of abandoning the well, led to future consideration of hydraulic fracturing as a means of stimulating well performance. Furthermore, drilling make-up well project could be postponed.