Geothermal drilling - achieving a 25% temperature reduction
End client
Geothermal Developer
Location
Germany
Services
Mud cooler system
THE CHALLENGE
Situated in the upper Rhine Valley of Germany a substantial Geothermal development was having difficulty maintaining a consistent downhole temperature. The drilling campaign comprising of two exploratory wells, which if successful, would expand to a further six wells are to be used for power generation: producing a thermal water temperature of around 160°C. The water will be pumped upwards from a depth of 3,500m via a borehole to generate electricity and heat. However, due to the depth of the well, reducing the downhole temperature proved to be critical to maintain operations. The mud data summary predicted the bottomhole static temperature to be around 155°C - 190°C with the mud flowline temperatures expected to be approximately 80°C presenting not only a health and safety risk at surface but a downhole tool integrity problem.
HOW WE HELPED:
Osso worked with the client to optimise the mud cooler performance with our high-volume mud cooler package and a hugely restricted cooling medium of one tank of water at only 25% capacity. Our mud coolers are specifically designed for water/oil-based muds with densities up to 19ppg (2.3sg) with solids content of 40%. Our onsite technician ran the mud cooler and managed the water temperature ensuring a consistent temperature throughout. Over several months we worked with the client to refill the water tank and install a sprinkler misting system which sprayed water droplets into the air enabling the water to cool faster.
“Our approach and equipment ensured the successful management of the mud temperature, ultimately reducing the mud temperature by 25%.”
STRONG RESULTS:
Our approach and equipment ensured the successful management of the mud temperature, ultimately delivering a 25% temperature reduction. By implementing a quarterly onsite maintenance service contract, we safeguarded the integrity of the equipment and systems, ensuring optimum performance was maintained from start to finish,
· 25% temperature reduction
· Full-service maintenance contract
· Annual equipment swap out and refurb programme