LOW TEMPERATURE GEOTHERMAL WELLS WITH GEYSERING DISCHARGE DRIVEN BY CARBON DIOXIDE

Abstract

Geysers are natural features that discharge water and steam periodically. Some wells discharge in the same manner, particularly low temperature geothermal wells with high CO2 content and petroleum wells with high gas content. This paper presents the measurements made on a low temperature high CO2 geothermal well at Te Aroha in the North Island of New Zealand, and their interpretation. The measurements and their inter-pretation provide guidance on the numerical simulation of the transient two-phase flow in the well. This study is relevant to understanding natural geysers, which are almost impossi-ble to make measurements on because of their geometry. Improved understanding will provide a better chance of preserving them. The calculation of transient two-phase flow in wells is of importance to the petroleum industry.