| Title | Gulf Coast Geothermal -- Down but not out |
|---|---|
| Authors | Swanson, R. K.; Osoba, J. S.; Bernard, W. J. |
| Year | 1983 |
| Conference | Geothermal Resources Council Transactions |
| Keywords | Exploration; USA; Texas; Louisiana; Gulf Coast; Methane; Pressure; Geopressure |
| Abstract | Production results from a series of successfully tested Gulf Coast geopressured geothermal wells over the past five years indicates that water in the geopressured zone is generally saturated with dissolved methane at temperatures ranging from 230°F to 330°F, depending upon production depth and well location. Flow rates of the tested wells were highly variable with a maximum over an extended time period of about 20,000 bbl/day. By far the most successful of the tested wells is the Pleasant Bayou #2 in Brazoria County, Texas. This well drains a reservoir which may cover as much as 58 sq. miles, and has produced brine continuously at a surface temperature of about 292°F since October 1982. The water is saturated with natural gas of which approximately 20 scf/bbl is recoverable methane now being delivered to an adjacent pipeline for a price in excess of $3/mcf. At the low production temperature, the geothermal potential is probably limited to hybrid systems in which some or all of the methane would be devoted to raising the enthalpy of the water. Unfortunately, only three of the twelve wells tested were located principal geopressured fairways as previously defined, and consequently, the large bulk of the resource remains unexplored. |