Applications of Corrosion Free Tubulars: the Choice for GRE. Case History: Melun L'Almont, France

Abstract

Glassfiber Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) is becoming the material of choice for corrosion control related to geothermal energy exploration. Applications extend to all facets of waterproduction, from low to high pressure flow lines, tubing and casing, including cemented liners and slotted production liners. GRE pipes have numerous advantages over steel or coated steel pipes. Dominant among the advantages is the corrosion resistance against i.a. COT and/or HzS-gas and salty water. Another specific advantage of GRE in comparison with steel is the light weight and the easy handling and installation. In order to show the suitability of GRE-tubulars in a geothermal application, the geothermal energy-exploration site in Melun I'Almont, France, makes a perfect example. A "new generation" geothermal well has been successfully completed at Melun I'Almont, 50 km south of Paris, on March 2 1995. This well is the fourth to be drilled at this site where, in 1969, the doublet technique (a production well associated with an injection well) was developed using the initial two geothermal boreholes. The third well was drilled in 1989 to replace the injection well that had become slightly damaged after twenty years of service.