The Doublet System Simulator

Abstract

A doublet system, consisting of a production well and an injection well, is an established setup for the engineering of groundwater hydraulics. In geothermal applications, fluid is extracted from a near-surface or deep subsurface formation in order to use its high heat content. The cooled fluid is usually re-injected into the same geological formation, which leads to a temperature decrease of in the aquifer. If several doublet systems are installed in the same formation, the systems may become competitive and influence each other. The productivity and lifetime of a single doublet may be drastically reduced should further installations be implemented in the vicinity.

The Doublet System Simulator software is designed to simulate and visualize the hydraulic interactions of wells in the described situation. The program is equipped with a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows user-friendly input of parameters and visual output of results. The software is aimed to assist in the planning of facilities before the installation and during operation of doublet systems. The tool can assist decision makers in the comparison of several alternative sites or the technician in finding the optimal positions of wells. The program can also be utilized for demonstrational and educational purposes. It is suitable to investigate and demonstrate the feasibility of a planned doublet system. For example, this software can be used in a first check to determine whether or not conditions at a specific site are appropriate.