Hydrogeological modelling of Olkaria domes geothermal field to predict ground subsidence

Author(s):  
Solomon Kahiga ◽  
Nicholas Mariita ◽  
Njenga Mburu

Ground subsidence studies have been done on Olkaria geothermal field conventionally by comparing levels on benchmarks over years. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) systems have also been used to map surface deformation of small spatial extent. For the prediction of future dynamics of land subsidence in Olkaria due to geothermal resource exploitation, a hydrogeological conceptual model has been developed. In this model, hydrologic geothermal fluid properties are analysed and a relationship between the reservoir and geology of the wells established, subsidence is computed numerically. The model takes into account the hydrogeological condition of Olkaria geothermal field. Hydrological reservoir parameters are computed from well testing data. The study considers the Injectivity indices of the various wells under study as pre-computational indicator of the expected subsidence extents. Both two- and three-dimensional geological cross-sections are modelled with the rockworks software by inputting stratigraphic data for Olkaria domes. Geological simulations are used to study subsidence by assigning the ground formation with virtual material that deformed according to some essential relations in Rockworks computer software. Production zones are determined by a comparison between the well properties and corresponding well geology. Subsidence is then computed by the Tezarghi’s modified equation. Cumulative subsidence figures from the computation are in the range of 0.095-0.537m, without any reinjection. Computed values are then mapped in ArcGIS to develop a representative subsidence map. By application of these modelling and numerical computation methods, ground subsidence was effectively predicted using the five selected wells in Olkaria domes field. The hydrogeological model developed, and mapping is an important tool in the planning and development of a reinjection schedule and in subsidence mitigation. Subsidence prediction also is important in design of infrastructure which will be strong enough to resist the forces caused by subsidence.

Author(s):  
Matthew J. Genge

Drawings, illustrations, and field sketches play an important role in Earth Science since they are used to record field observations, develop interpretations, and communicate results in reports and scientific publications. Drawing geology in the field furthermore facilitates observation and maximizes the value of fieldwork. Every geologist, whether a student, academic, professional, or amateur enthusiast, will benefit from the ability to draw geological features accurately. This book describes how and what to draw in geology. Essential drawing techniques, together with practical advice in creating high quality diagrams, are described the opening chapters. How to draw different types of geology, including faults, folds, metamorphic rocks, sedimentary rocks, igneous rocks, and fossils, are the subjects of separate chapters, and include descriptions of what are the important features to draw and describe. Different types of sketch, such as drawings of three-dimensional outcrops, landscapes, thin-sections, and hand-specimens of rocks, crystals, and minerals, are discussed. The methods used to create technical diagrams such as geological maps and cross-sections are also covered. Finally, modern techniques in the acquisition and recording of field data, including photogrammetry and aerial surveys, and digital methods of illustration, are the subject of the final chapter of the book. Throughout, worked examples of field sketches and illustrations are provided as well as descriptions of the common mistakes to be avoided.


Open Physics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 215-223
Author(s):  
Hao Huang ◽  
Qiao Deng ◽  
Hui Zhang

Abstract The packer is one of the most important tools in deep-water perforation combined well testing, and its safety directly determines the success of perforation test operations. The study of dynamic perforating pressure on the packer is one of the key technical problems in the production of deep-water wells. However, there are few studies on the safety of packers with shock loads. In this article, the three-dimensional finite element models of downhole perforation have been established, and a series of numerical simulations are carried out by using orthogonal design. The relationship between the perforating peak pressure on the packer with the factors such as perforating charge quantity, wellbore pressure, perforating explosion volume, formation pressure, and elastic modulus is established. Meanwhile, the database is established based on the results of numerical simulation, and the calculation model of peak pressure on the packer during perforating is obtained by considering the reflection and transmission of shock waves on the packer. The results of this study have been applied in the field case of deep-water well, and the safety optimization program for deep-water downhole perforation safety has been put forward. This study provides important theoretical guidance for the safety of the packer during deep-water perforating.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3255
Author(s):  
Aizhao Zhou ◽  
Xianwen Huang ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Pengming Jiang ◽  
Xinwei Li

For reducing the initial GSHP investment, the heat transfer efficiency of the borehole heat exchange (BHE) system can be enhanced to reduce the number or depth of drilling. This paper proposes a novel and simple BHE design by changing the cross-sectional shape of the U-tube to increase the heat transfer efficiency of BHEs. Specifically, in this study, we (1) verified the reliability of the three-dimensional numerical model based on the thermal response test (TRT) and (2) compared the inlet and outlet temperatures of the different U-tubes at 48 h under the premise of constant leg distance and fluid area. Referent to the circular tube, the increases in the heat exchange efficiencies of the curved oval tube, flat oval tube, semicircle tube, and sector tube were 13.0%, 19.1%, 9.4%, and 14.8%, respectively. (3) The heat flux heterogeneity of the tubes on the inlet and outlet sides of the BHE, in decreasing order, is flat oval, semicircle, curved oval, sector, and circle shapes. (4) The temperature heterogeneity of the borehole wall in the BHE in decreasing order is circle, sector, curved oval, flat oval, and semicircle shapes. (5) Under the premise of maximum leg distance, referent to the heat resistance of the tube with a circle shape at 48 h, the heat exchange efficiency of the curved oval, flat oval, semicircle, and sector tubes increased 12.6%, 17.7%, 10.3%, and 7.8%, respectively. (6) We found that the adjustments of the leg distance and the tube shape affect the heat resistance by about 25% and 12%, respectively. (7) The flat-oval-shaped tube at the maximum leg distance was found to be the best tube design for BHEs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 93 (12) ◽  
pp. 2651-2660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergey Samsonov

AbstractThe previously presented Multidimensional Small Baseline Subset (MSBAS-2D) technique computes two-dimensional (2D), east and vertical, ground deformation time series from two or more ascending and descending Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) data sets by assuming that the contribution of the north deformation component is negligible. DInSAR data sets can be acquired with different temporal and spatial resolutions, viewing geometries and wavelengths. The MSBAS-2D technique has previously been used for mapping deformation due to mining, urban development, carbon sequestration, permafrost aggradation and pingo growth, and volcanic activities. In the case of glacier ice flow, the north deformation component is often too large to be negligible. Historically, the surface-parallel flow (SPF) constraint was used to compute the static three-dimensional (3D) velocity field at various glaciers. A novel MSBAS-3D technique has been developed for computing 3D deformation time series where the SPF constraint is utilized. This technique is used for mapping 3D deformation at the Barnes Ice Cap, Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada, during January–March 2015, and the MSBAS-2D and MSBAS-3D solutions are compared. The MSBAS-3D technique can be used for studying glacier ice flow at other glaciers and other surface deformation processes with large north deformation component, such as landslides. The software implementation of MSBAS-3D technique can be downloaded from http://insar.ca/.


2019 ◽  
Vol 221 ◽  
pp. 01003
Author(s):  
Pavel Radchenko ◽  
Stanislav Batuev ◽  
Andrey Radchenko

The paper presents results of applying approach to simulation of contact surfaces fracture under high velocity interaction of solid bodies. The algorithm of erosion -the algorithm of elements removing, of new surface building and of mass distribution after elements fracture at contact boundaries is consider. The results of coordinated experimental and numerical studies of fracture of materials under impact are given. Authors own finite element computer software program EFES, allowing to simulate a three-dimensional setting behavior of complex structures under dynamic loads, has been used for the calculations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 174 ◽  
pp. 01048
Author(s):  
Elena Kassikhina ◽  
Vladimir Pershin ◽  
Nina Rusakova

The existing structures of the steel sinking headgear and permanent headframe do not meet the requirements of resource saving (metal consumption and manpower input at installation), and the present methods of the headframe designing do not fully reflect recent possibilities of applying of the advanced information technologies. Technical level of the modern software makes it possible for designers to set up multiple numerical experiments to create a computer simulation that allows solving the problem without field and laboratory experiments, and therefore without special costs. In this regard, a mathematical simulation has been developed and based on it, software to select cross-sections of multi- purpose steel headframe elements and to calculate proper weight of its metal structures depending on the characteristics and hoisting equipment. A headframe drawing is displayed, as the results of the software work, including list of elements, obtained optimal hoisting equipment in accordance with the initial data. The software allows speeding up graphic work and reducing manpower input on calculations and paper work. The software allows developing a three-dimensional image of the structure and its functional blocks, based on the obtained initial parameters, as well as developing control software for units with numerical control (NC) in order to manufacture multi-purpose headframes.


Author(s):  
B K A Ngoi ◽  
L E N Lim ◽  
S S G Lee ◽  
S W Lye

This paper proposes the construction of an energy envelope that can be used to advantage with the energy barrier method to analyse the natural resting aspect of engineering parts destined for automatic assembly. Unlike the energy barrier method, the energy envelope does not require any visualization of the projection of the energy barrier on the aspect of interest. The energy envelope is the three-dimensional topology of the changes in height of the centroid, as the part attempts changes of aspect. The paper describes how it may be computed in a CAD (computer aided design) solid modeller. The results of applying the energy envelope to prisms of square and cylindrical cross-sections are the same as those predicted by the energy barrier method. When extended to the analysis of a rectangular prism, the results were consistent with Boothroyd's dynamic solution and Boothroyd's experimental data. This conclusion is encouraging as there is no irrefutable evidence that the energy barrier method may be applied to the analysis of the rectangular prism.


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