Advancing Geothermal Well diagnostics with the Utilization of Hybrid Camera Technology

Abstract

Acquiring reliable data from geothermal wells presents significant challenges due to their extreme environments, where temperatures can exceed 600°F. To accommodate the operational limits of inspection tools, quenching operations are performed to cool the well. However, inspections above the fluid level remain difficult, as the quenching line is shut off, leaving a narrow window for camera inspections before pressure buildup creates risks for the camera equipment inside the wellbore. This paper presents the operational challenges that the new Optis Infinity Hybrid Camera faced during its successful utilization in the field. The primary objective of well A, its first deployment, was to evaluate a possible metallic obstruction at a depth of approximately 1093 feet CHF. However, the live feedback to the surface was unable to provide a distinct quality of the suspected obstruction because of the wells initially unknown fluid inflow. However, during its post-processing examination, the recording on its high-definition on- board camera offered an incredibly clear recording of the mentioned obstruction. The video from the tools 360-degree camera capability was also highlighted since it captured the fluid inflow, which affected the surveys primary objective. Its second operation, Well B, aims to assess the casing integrity of the wellbore and identify another potential problem in the 1930 ft CHF. The turbidity of the water during the manipulation and interaction of the water supply and fluid particles in the well provided the execution team with yet another operational challenge. The preliminary assessment of a suspected obstruction was found to be a parted casing with a significant gap between the two. These findings provide essential data for assessing the well integrity and help PGPC on planning effective interventions. This innovation provided critical insights into the obstruction characteristics and the origin of the inflows, enabling more informed decision- making for remediation and workover planning. The ability to achieve superior imaging under adverse conditions underscores the immense value of advanced camera technology in addressing complex well integrity issues.