Record Details

Title A Revised Equation for the NA/K Geothermometer
Authors Fournier, Robert O.
Year 1979
Conference Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
Keywords Brine Technology; Geochemistry; Geothermometers; Base Temperatures; USA; NA/K; Equation; Correlation; Field Data; Greater Than 150 C; Liquid; Reservoir Temperature; USGS
Abstract The Na/K geothermometer has been reevaluated using data from wells drilled in geothermal systems in a wide variety of geological environments and spanning a large temperature range. A new equation recommended for geothermometry is t°C= 1217/log (Na/K) + 1.483 - 273.15, where Na and K concentrations are in parts per millions. Most waters from reservoirs with temperatures above 100°C have Na/K ratios between those expected for solution equilibrium with low albite plus microcline and those with high albite plus sanidine. The Na/K geothermometer generally works well for waters from reservoirs with temperatures greater than 150°C to 200°C, but is likely to given anomalously high estimated temperatures when applied to waters from environments where temperatures are less than about 100°C.
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