Constructing Deep Closed-Loop Geothermal Wells for Globally Scalable Energy Production by Leveraging Oil and Gas ERD and HPHT Well Construction Expertise

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric van Oort ◽  
Dongmei Chen ◽  
Pradeepkumar Ashok ◽  
Amirhossein Fallah
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Operating Efficiency ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Environmental Goals ◽  
Oil And Gas Companies

Abstract Deep closed-loop geothermal systems (DCLGS) are introduced as an alternative to traditional enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) for green energy production that is globally scalable and dispatchable. Recent modeling work shows that DCLGS can generate an amount of power that is similar to EGS, while overcoming many of the downsides of EGS (such as induced seismicity, emissions to air, mineral scaling etc.). DCLGS wells can be constructed by leveraging and extending oil and gas extended reach drilling (ERD) and high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) drilling expertise in particular. The objectives of this paper are two-fold. First, we demonstrate that DCLGS wells can generate power / electricity on a scale that is comparable to EGS, i.e. on the order of 40-55 MW per well. To this extent, we have developed a coupled hydraulic-thermal model, validated using oil and gas well cases, that can simulate various DCLGS well configurations. Secondly, we highlight the technology gaps and needs that still exist for economically drilling DCLGS wells, showing that it is possible to extend oil and gas technology, expertise and experience in ERD and HPHT drilling to construct complex DCLGS wells. Our coupled hydraulic-thermal sensitivity analyses show that there are key well drilling and design parameters that will ultimately affect DCLGS operating efficiency, including strategic deployment of managed pressure drilling / operation (MPD/MPO) technology, the use of vacuum-insulated tubing (VIT), and the selection of the completion in the high-temperature rock zones. Results show that optimum design and execution can boost initial geothermal power generation to 50 MW and beyond. In addition, historical ERD and HPHT well experience is reviewed to establish the current state-of-the-art in complex well construction and highlight what specific technology developments require attention and investment to make DCLGS a reality in the near-future (with a time horizon of ∼10 years). A main conclusion is that DCLGS is a realistic and viable alternative to EGS, with effective mitigation of many of the (potentially show-stopping) downsides of EGS. Oil and gas companies are currently highly interested in green, sustainable energy to meet their environmental goals. DCLGS well construction allows them to actively develop a sustainable energy field in which they already have extensive domain expertise. DCLGS offers oil and gas companies a new direction for profitable business development while meeting environmental goals, and at the same time enables workforce retention, retraining and re-deployment using the highly transferable skills of oil and gas workers.

230°C Accelerometer with Digitized Output for Directional Drilling

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 (HITEC) ◽  
pp. 000298-000304
Author(s):  
Douglas C. MacGugan ◽  
Eric C. Abbott ◽  
J. Chris Milne
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Digital Signal ◽  
Enhanced Geothermal Systems ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Directional Drilling ◽  
Orientation Measurement ◽  
Acceleration Signal ◽  
Vibrating Beams

Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) technology for oil and gas, and geothermal directional drilling exploration is pushing into ever higher temperature environments - beyond 200°C. Orientation sensors supporting these high temperature environments need to provide highly accurate elevation and tool face measurements on the order of 0.1°. Honeywell has developed a new digital high temperature down-hole accelerometer, DHTA230, capable of providing the required accuracy at the elevated temperatures of 230°C, in the rugged MWD shock and vibration environment, with expected excellent reliability and life. The DHTA230 is designed for use in the downhole environment, but is based upon a mature Honeywell accelerometer using dual vibrating beam sensing elements. These sensing elements are configured as double-ended-tuning-forks in a push-pull orientation attached onto a pendulous proof mass. This push-pull configuration provides an acceleration signal proportional to the frequency difference of the vibrating beams, an easily captured digital signal through measurement of the two vibrating beam phases. The digitized accelerometer eliminates the need for A/D electronics in the high temperature drilling environment. The DHTA230 is 0.79” in diameter with a depth of .393” at the mount flange. The ruggedized configuration of the DHTA230 is expected to provide reliable orientation measurement in high temperature direction drilling applications up to 1000h. The DHTA230 electronics incorporate ceramic hybrids with chip and wire construction. Active die are based upon proven 300°C chips developed previously for the Enhanced Geothermal Systems OM300, fabricated using Honeywell HTSOI4 process. The electronics include power conditioning providing reliable operation using a single power supply between 7V and 15V. Dual oscillator electronic circuits provide the necessary function to drive and sense the dual vibrating beams, while providing a CMOS logic level signal of the frequency pulse train. The accelerometer provides precision output up to 15g acceleration inputs, and allows sensing of higher-g vibration levels. This paper contains information on the target application, electrical and mechanical component requirements, design, fabrication approach, and initial prototype testing. The DHTA230 is expected to enter production transition in 2015.

Analog Component Development for 300°C Sensor Interface Applications

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 (HITEC) ◽  
pp. 000199-000206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce W. Ohme ◽  
Mark R. Larson
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Frequency Converter ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Low Noise ◽  
Silicon On Insulator ◽  
Enhanced Geothermal Systems ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Oil And Gas Development ◽  
Sensor Interface

The development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) for base-load electrical power generation will require electronics for sensing and control during exploration and drilling and also during production. The operating temperature environments for these applications will generally be more extreme than those encountered by electronics currently deployed for oil and gas development and production monitoring. To address this requirement, electronic components have been designed and fabricated for operation at temperatures of 300°C. These integrated circuits use silicon-on-insulator (SOI) fabrication processes to achieve high temperature operation. High-fidelity simulation models have been developed by characterization of SOI devices at 300°C. These device models were employed to design components required for the development of a down-hole orientation module. A wide-bandwidth, low-noise operational amplifier has been developed for use with MEMS accelerometer sensors. A multi-channel synchronous voltage-to-frequency converter with built-in reference and oscillators has also been developed for use with 3-axis flux-gate magnetometers. The components themselves are general purpose and could easily be used for other high-temperature sensor-interface applications. .

Operational and safety aspects of drill stem testing—getting it right

2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Shangkar Venugopal
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Well Testing ◽  
Emergency Situations ◽  
Drill Stem ◽  
Safety Aspects ◽  
High Pressure High Temperature ◽  
Problems And Solutions ◽  
Environmental Requirements ◽  
Oil And Gas Companies

Drill stem testing (DST) is recognised by many operating oil and gas companies to be one of the most hazardous operations routinely undertaken. Well testing has a higher potential for loss of life, loss of assets, environmental catastrophe and budget overrun than any other time in the exploration operations. Therefore, it is of great importance to the industry that such operations are extremely well planned and executed. Planning a DST is an extremely complex task and requires a great deal of experience. This paper provides an insight into the techniques and procedures that are used in all the major operational and safety aspects of oil and gas DST. It uses a structured approach to guide the reader through the various best practices that are required to effectively plan and implement a DST operation under just about any circumstances worldwide, onshore or offshore. The project also includes design parameters for contingency conditions that were not normally present during equipment operations but could exist in emergency situations. Problems and solutions associated with perforation, adverse hole conditions, and high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) conditions are also presented. Additionally, this paper includes an overview on environmental requirements, which provides information associated with risk management and legislation.

An integrated economic analysis of the oil and gas companies of Russia

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 925-943
Author(s):  
I.V. Filimonova ◽  
◽  
L.V. Eder ◽  
V.Yu. Nemov ◽  
M.V. Mishenin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Analysis ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas Companies

Minerals as an object of accounting and economic security of the oil and gas company implementing the production sharing agreement

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 1291-1312
Author(s):  
N.V. Zyleva
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
The State ◽  
Professional Judgment ◽  
Production Sharing ◽  
Security Service ◽  
Geological Information ◽  
Oil And Gas Companies ◽  
Mineral Reserves ◽  
Economic Risks

Subject. This article discusses the practice of ensuring the economic security of oil and gas companies operating under the terms of production sharing agreements, where minerals are the object of security. Objectives. The article aims to justify the need to apply professional judgment in the organization of reliable accounting of minerals, explored and extracted under the terms of the production sharing agreement implementation, to avoid various risks to the entity's economic security. Methods. For the study, I used the methods of deduction and modeling. Results. The article presents proposals to arrange accounting of intangible exploration assets (geological information on mineral reserves) and finished products (the part of the extracted minerals owned by the investor and the part owned by the State). Conclusions. As strategic minerals, oil and gas are the targets of various economic risks. Professionals familiar with the specifics of accounting operations in the implementation of the production sharing agreement should be prepared to prevent these risks. The results obtained can be used to design accounting policies and develop local regulations on the tasks and functions of the economic security service of the organization implementing the production sharing agreement.

Analyzing the figures of consolidated statement of cash flows of the world's biggest publicly traded oil and gas corporations

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 1101-1120
Author(s):  
O.V. Shimko
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Cash Flow ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Cash Flows ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Capital Expenditures ◽  
Publicly Traded ◽  
The Public ◽  
Statement Of Cash Flows ◽  
Oil And Gas Companies

Subject. The article investigates key figures disclosed in consolidated cash flow statements of 25 leading publicly traded oil and gas companies from 2006 to 2018. Objectives. The focus is on determining the current level of values of the main components of consolidated statement of cash flows prepared by leading publicly traded oil and gas companies, identifying key trends within the studied period and factors that led to any transformation. Methods. The study draws on methods of comparative and financial-economic analysis, as well as generalization of materials of consolidated cash flow statements. Results. The comprehensive analysis of annual reports of 25 oil and gas companies enabled to determine changes in the key figures and their relation in the structure of consolidated cash flow statements in the public sector of the industry. It also established main factors that contributed to the changes. Conclusions. In the period under study, I revealed an increase in cash from operating activities; established that capital expenditures in the public sector of the industry show an overall upward trend and depend on the level of oil prices. The analysis demonstrated that even integrated companies’ upstream segment prevail in the capital expenditures structure. The study also unveiled an increase in dividend payments, which, most of the time, exceeded free cash flows thus increasing the debt burden.

Analyzing the liquidity ratios of the world's leading public oil and gas corporations

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 1571-1589 ◽  
Author(s):  
O.V. Shimko
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Comprehensive Analysis ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
Economic Analyses ◽  
Oil And Gas Companies

Subject. This article explores the key liquidity figures of the twenty five largest public oil and gas companies between 2006 and 2018. Objectives. The article aims to determine the current values of the key liquidity figures of the largest public oil and gas companies, identify key trends in their changes within the study period, and identify the factors that have caused these changes. Methods. For the study, I used comparative, and financial and economic analyses, and generalization. Results. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the twenty five oil and gas companies' annual reports, the article identifies trends in the changes in the key liquidity indexes in the industry's public sector, and establishes the main factors that affected these changes. Conclusions and Relevance. The largest public oil and gas companies are able to maintain their own liquidity in times of crisis, even. The industry pays the most attention to increasing the instant liquidity ratios. The results of the study can be used to evaluate, forecast, and develop measures to enhance the liquidity of public oil and gas companies.

Analyzing the market valuations of the world's leading public oil and gas corporations

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 2765-2789
Author(s):  
O.V. Shimko
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Balance Sheet ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Market Valuation ◽  
Net Income ◽  
Consolidated Financial Statements ◽  
Market Capitalization ◽  
Economic Analyses ◽  
Market Valuations ◽  
Oil And Gas Companies

Subject. This article explores the market valuation ratios of the twenty five leading public oil and gas companies between 2006 and 2018. Objectives. The article aims to identify key trends in the changes in market valuations of the largest public oil and gas companies, and identify the factors that have caused these changes. Methods. For the study, I used comparative, and financial and economic analyses, and generalization of materials of the companies' consolidated financial statements. Results. The article shows certain changes in the main indicators of market valuation of the leading public oil and gas companies and identifies the main factors that contributed to these changes. It establishes that the most significant for comparison and valuation are ratios based on balance sheet values of assets and equity, and EBITDA, DACF and net income ratios are appropriate as auxiliary ratios. The article says that the exchange segment of the industry has increased the debt load, so instead of market capitalization as a component of the coefficients of this group, it is advisable to apply the company's value indicator. Conclusions and Relevance. The article concludes that the market sentiments towards the stock market segment of the global oil and gas industry are getting impaired. This is quite natural against the background of falling profitability of most leading companies. The results of the study can be useful in evaluating, forecasting and developing measures to increase the market capitalization and value of public oil and gas companies.

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