Geologic Analysis for Geothermal Energy, with an Example from Blackburn Oil Field, Pine Valley, Nevada
Dr. Benjamin Burke-CEO Gradient Geothermal
Abstract:
The geoscience of geothermal energy is broad, much as petroleum geoscience is broad, and encompasses the genesis of heat on Earth relict from the formation of the planet and from the radioactive decay of uranium, potassium, and thorium. Heat flux from deep in the core, asthenosphere, and lower lithosphere is achieved by conduction and fluid-based convection of groundwaters. The processes of plate tectonics and the variable thickness of the crust mean that the geothermal gradient of temperatures from the surface down to temperature thresholds considered adequate for direct uses of heat as well as for geothermal-based power generation vary across the Earth.
A geothermal system analysis, analogous to a petroleum system analysis, involves source, migration, and reservoir evaluation. Geothermal geoscience involves both regional and local methods for evaluation of resources. Regional methods are analogous to play-fairway analysis in petroleum systems. Local analysis is focused on wells and field(s), with a focus on how available resources are accessed by available or planned wells.
An example of geothermal analysis is the current project at Blackburn Oil Field. It is a mature oil field in Pine Valley, Nevada, south of Carlin and southwest of Elko. Discovered in 1982, the field was once one of the most prolific onshore oil fields in the United States producing from the Devonian-aged Nevada Dolomite and flowing naturally without artificial lift. Now, production at the field continues with water cuts above 99%. The field is the site of a US Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Office 'Wells of Opportunity 2' project to demonstrate how existing oil fields can produce a megawatt of geothermal power load. The study involves subsurface seismic analysis, well log analysis, geochemical and tracer analysis as well as surface engineering analysis to determine how to most efficiently generate electrical power from hot produced fluids. The talk will also take a detour into the art and science of bottom hole temperature correction methods.
Bio
Dr Benjamin Burke is Chief Executive Officer of Gradient Geothermal, a geothermal technology company and service provider. He is trained as a geochemist and geologist and has worked in the environmental consulting, oil & gas, and geothermal industries for a total of 26 years, including at ExxonMobil in Houston, plus Noble Energy, Fifth Creek Energy, and HighPoint Resources here in Denver. He is also an affiliate professor at the Colorado School of Mines and a collaborating professor at Iowa State University. In addition, Ben has served as a Board Member for the Denver Earth Resources Library and as First Vice President and President of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists.
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