US 2020/0049380 A1Published application

Method for thermal profile control and energy recovery in geothermal wells

AssigneeEavor Technologies Inc.

InventorsPAUL CAIRNS, MATTHEW TOEWS, JOHN REDFERN

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Abstract

A method for controlling temperature maxima and minima from the heel to toe in geothermal well lateral sections. The method includes disposing at least a pair of wells proximately where thermal contact is possible. Working fluid is circulated in one well of the pair in one direction and the working fluid of the second well is circulated in as direction opposite. to the first. In this manner temperature equilibration is attainable to mitigate maxima and minima to result in a substantially more uniform temperature of the working fluids in respective wells and the rock formation area there between. Specific operating protocol is disclosed having regard to the temperature control for maximizing thermal energy recovery.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A method for maximizing geothermal energy recovery within a formation having a geothermal gradient, comprising:

determining the geothermal gradient within the rock volume of said formation;
forming a wellbore configuration for location and positioning within said rock volume with the configuration of the wellbore based on a determined geothermal gradient for maximum thermal recovery, the wellbore configuration comprising a closed loop having an inlet well and outlet well and lateral interconnecting section in fluid communication, said lateral section of said configuration positioned within said rock volume;
selecting at least one working fluid for circulation in a predetermined sequence within said configuration based on:
wellbore configuration;
geothermal gradient variation;
and
formation geology;
determining working fluid temperature from sequenced circulation within said wellbore configuration;
and
selecting at least one of:
working fluid rerouting and distribution within said configuration;
working fluid composition;
working fluid flow rate within said configuration;
working fluid flow direction;
and
combinations thereof to maximize energy recovery with said working fluid from said rock volume.

13 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 16/524,017Filed 27 Jul 2019
Priority: 12 Aug 2018
Published: 13 Feb 2020
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification16 codes

E21B 43/162
Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons: injecting fluid from longitudinally spaced locations in injection well
E21B 43/30
Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells: specific pattern of wells,…
E21B 43/305
Specific pattern of wells, e.g. optimising the spacing of wells: comprising at least one inclined or horizontal well
F03G 4/029
Characterised by the geothermal collectors: closed loop geothermal collectors, i.e. the fluid is pumped through a closed loop in heat exchange…