| Title | Creating Extensive and Complex Fracture Networks for Enhanced Geothermal Systems: An Overview of Oilfield Stimulation and Diversion Techniques |
|---|---|
| Authors | Weijers, Leen; Van Dyke, Peter Erik; Robertson-Tait, Ann |
| Year | 2006 |
| Conference | Geothermal Resources Council Transactions |
| Keywords | Enhanced Geothermal Systems; Diversion, EGS, engineered, enhanced fracture, fracturing, gas, geothermal, hydraulic, isolation, network, oil, oilfield, reservoir, stimulation, well |
| Abstract | The extraction of geothermal energy is typically achieved using long open hole intervals in an attempt to connect the well with the largest possible rock mass. For the development of enhanced or engineered geothermal systems (EGS), uniform hydraulic stimulation throughout the open hole interval presents a challenging problem. Fracturing fluids are often injected into only a fraction of the target zone, which reduces the efficiency of heat transfer and thus increases the cost of energy. Consequently, to create extensive and complex fracture networks, effective stimulation and diversion is needed. This paper provides an overview of techniques that are commonly used in the oilfield, and evaluates their effectiveness in improving stimulations of EGS wells. |