Thermal Hydraulics Evaluation of Fluid Flow Distribution in a Multi-Stage Stimulated Enhanced Geothermal System Wellbore at the Utah FORGE Site

Abstract

Uniform distribution of fluid flow with multiple fractures zones in a well with multiple hydraulic fracturing stages will be crucial to operate an EGS at its highest potential and achieve efficient heat recovery. However, accomplishing this task can be complicated, as the fluid will always choose the path of least resistance, which can lead to uneven flow distribution. This study utilizes an analytical model and the MOOSE Thermal Hydraulics Module (THM) to examine the sensitivity of an EGS to parameters such as perforations, fracture aperture, and flowrate in order to achieve as even fluid distribution as possible. Operation of an EGS site will require an estimate of the pressure drop across the EGS in order to specify pumps and fluid handling equipment. Therefore, this study focused on pressure drop across the EGS and flow distribution percentage across each fracture zone. These two variables were plotted with varying input parameters such as number of perforations, excluding exit perforations, varying inlet flowrates, and varying fracture zone diameter.