Estimation of Cement Thermal Properties through the Three-Phase Model with Application to Geothermal Wells

Adonis Ichim, Catalin Teodoriu and Gioia Falcone
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Adonis Ichim: Well Integrity Laboratory, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
Catalin Teodoriu: Well Integrity Laboratory, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
Gioia Falcone: School of Engineering, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK

Energies, 2018, vol. 11, issue 10, 1-12

Abstract: Geothermal energy has been used by mankind since ancient times. Given the limited geographical distribution of the most favorable resources, exploration efforts have more recently focused on unconventional geothermal systems targeting greater depths to reach sufficient temperatures. In these systems, geothermal well performance relies on efficient heat transfer between the working fluid, which is pumped from surface, and the underground rock. Most of the wells designed for such environments require that the casing strings used throughout the well construction process be cemented in place. The overall heat transfer around the wellbore may be optimized through accurate selection of cement recipes. This paper presents the application of a three-phase analytical model to estimate the cement thermal properties. The results show that cement recipes can be designed to enhance or minimize heat transfer around wellbore, extending the application of geothermal exploitation.

Keywords: geothermal well construction; well cementing; cement thermal conductivity; three-phase method (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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