| Abstract |
Sandia has developed a downhole monitoring system that can operate continuously at temperatures up to 240ì?Í?î©C. The developed monitoring system can be used to measure small changing reservoir conditions, thereby providing information on the condition of the Geothermal reservoir. This information can help engineers develop strategies to extend the life of Geothermal reservoirs. The monitoring system utilizes SOI (Silicon-on-Insulator) technology, which is known for its inherent reliability at elevated temperatures. The present monitoring system measures wellbore temperatures and pressures but other sensors such as accelerometers and strain-gage type sensors could easily be added. By utilizing a precision quartz pressure sensor such as the Quartzdyne pressure sensor, pressure changes less than .008 psi and temperature changes less than .008ì?Í?î©C can be made. This capability enables the monitoring system to detect earth tidal pressure effects and earthquake-induced pressure changes. To date, three systems have been successfully deployed. |