| Title | Flash Pressure of Geothermal Liquids and Depth of Initial Flashing in Wellbores |
|---|---|
| Authors | Michels, Donald E. |
| Year | 1981 |
| Conference | Geothermal Resources Council Transactions |
| Keywords | Brine Technology; Reservoir Engineering; USA; California; East Mesa; Salton Sea; Two Phase; CO2; Boiling Point; Vapor Pressure; Modeling; Flashing; Fluid Pressure; Productivity; Henry's Law |
| Abstract | Flash pressures have been measured for fluid from deep wells at East Mesa and near the Salton Sea KGRA. Compared to gas free liquids at respective temperatures, the flash pressures range from 17 to 345 psi above the handbook values. Mainly this is due to CO2. The location of initial flashing in a geothermal well is important to the productivity of the well and to the selection of casing. Predictions of flow characteristics and optimum size of casing should involve good estimates of vapor pressure component due to non-condensable gases. CO2 usually is the most important to these. Depth of flashing can be predicted from the vapor pressure, shut in formation pressure, fluid density, and productivity index if they are known or can be estimated. A technique of this is presented. |