NL2024812B1 - Geothermal wellbore system and method for installing such a system - Google Patents

Geothermal wellbore system and method for installing such a system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
NL2024812B1
NL2024812B1 NL2024812A NL2024812A NL2024812B1 NL 2024812 B1 NL2024812 B1 NL 2024812B1 NL 2024812 A NL2024812 A NL 2024812A NL 2024812 A NL2024812 A NL 2024812A NL 2024812 B1 NL2024812 B1 NL 2024812B1
Authority
NL
Netherlands
Prior art keywords
annulus
level
water
lumen
geothermal
Prior art date
Application number
NL2024812A
Other languages
Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Dirk Melis Van Duivendijk Pieter
Thijs Pieter Max Nicolaas
Original Assignee
Huisman Well Tech B V
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Huisman Well Tech B V filed Critical Huisman Well Tech B V
Priority to NL2024812A priority Critical patent/NL2024812B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of NL2024812B1 publication Critical patent/NL2024812B1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24T—GEOTHERMAL COLLECTORS; GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
    • F24T10/00—Geothermal collectors
    • F24T10/20—Geothermal collectors using underground water as working fluid; using working fluid injected directly into the ground, e.g. using injection wells and recovery wells
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24T—GEOTHERMAL COLLECTORS; GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
    • F24T10/00—Geothermal collectors
    • F24T2010/50—Component parts, details or accessories
    • F24T2010/53—Methods for installation
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/10—Geothermal energy

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for installing a geothermal wellbore system for pumping water from a geothermal groundwater reservoir. A tubular is supported in a wellbore such that there is an annulus between well casing and the tubular, and such that water levels in the tubular and in the annulus are initially level with the groundwater level in the reservoir. A water tight seal is provided between the tubular and the casing, and a level drop of the water level in the tubular, caused by pumping water from the reservoir via the lumen, is determined. Water is removed from the annulus such that the war level in the annulus is level with the water level in the tubular when water is pumped form the reservoir. The invention furthermore provides a geothermal wellbore system.

Description

P34444NLO0/MHR Title: Geothermal wellbore system and method for installing such a system The invention relates to geothermal wellbore systems
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Geothermal wellbore systems are used to harvest thermal energy in the form of warm water from geothermal groundwater reservoirs. These systems require deep wellbores that extend up to depths of 2000 meters or more. A typical wellbore for pumping groundwater from a geothermal groundwater reservoir is provided with steel casing that lines the wall of the wellbore. A steel tubular is in the well bore such that there is an annulus between the steel tubular and the casing. An electric submersible pump assembly provided in the lumen of the steel tubular to pump water from the groundwater reservoir to the surface. It is submitted that the water is highly corrosive, which shortens the lifespan of the steel tubular supported in the wellbore. Furthermare, it is submitted that filament reinforced tubulars, compared to steel tubulars, are light weight and do not corrode. Therefore, use of these type of tubulars is highly desirable in the field of geothermal projects. It is a goal of the invention to provide a geothermal wellbore system that allows for long term use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention proposes to use a reinforced composite tubular in the well bore, and furthermore to set the water level in the annulus to a predetermined level to provide a pressure situation in the borehole that is beneficial for reinforced composite tubulars. The invention provides a method for installing a geothermal wellbore system according to claim 1, and the use of such a method according to claim 15. The invention furthermore provides a geothermal wellbore system according to claim 7.
Claim 1 provides a method for installing a geothermal wellbore system for pumping water from a geothermal groundwater reservoir, the groundwater reservoir having a groundwater level.
According to claim 1, the well bore system comprises: - a reinforced composite tubular having a watertight wall encircling a lumen; - a pump assembly having a pump inlet for pumping water from the reservoir when the pump assembly is active; and - a wellbore having a casing that lines the wall of the wellbore, wherein the casing extends into the reservoir.
According to claim 1, the method comprises: - mounting the reinforced composite tubular in the wellbore with a lower end of the tubular below the groundwater level of the water in the reservoir, such that there is an annulus formed between the well casing and the tubular, and the water levels in the lumen and in the annulus are initially level with the groundwater level; - determining a level drop of the water level in the lumen of the tubular caused by pumping water from the reservoir via the lumen using the pump assembly, the pumping lowering the water level in the lumen from a passive level, when the pump assembly is not active, to an active level, when the pump assembly is active, the level drop being the difference between the active level and the passive level, - providing a water tight seal between the tubular and the casing below the active level, such that the annulus is sealed off from the lumen of the tubular and from the groundwater reservoir; - setting the water level in the annulus at the active level by removing water from the annulus; and - optionally, pumping water from the reservoir..
Thus, according to claim 1, a reinforced composite tubular is provided in the well bore. Furthermore, the water level in the annulus is to a predetermined active level. By determining the level drop and setting the water level in the annulus at the active level by removing water from the annulus, the method provides a pressure situation in the borehole that is beneficial for reinforced composite tubulars. More in particular, due to setting the water level in the annulus to the active level, the reinforced compasite tubular is subjected to a reduced compressive pressure when the pump assembly active. Reduction of this compressive force allows for a lengthened lifespan of the reinforced composite tubular. The method according to claim 1 therefore enables the use of a reinforced composite tubular in the well bore at a prolonged period of time, and thus allows for long term use of the wellbore system.
It is submitted that the level drop of the water in the lumen of the tubular is linked to the characteristic of the pump assembly, the well bore and the groundwater reservoir. For example, in an embodiment, water from the reservoir is allowed to flow into the wellbore via a water inlet, e.g. a filter, at a lower end of the casing. The permeability of the groundwater reservoir and the configuration of the water inlet determine speed at which the water is to flow form the reservoir into the well bore, more in particular into the tubular, at a certain pressure. Furthermore, the pump assembly generates a specific pressure in the lumen when the pump assembly active. The level drop of the water in the lumen of the tubular may be determined by calculation, e.g. by running a simulation and/or by running tests in the wellbore. It is submitted that the provided method is relevant for use in deep geothermal wellbore systems, i.e. wellbore systems comprising a well bore extending over 400 meters or more. In such a system, the level drop is more than 150 meters, for example may be 400 meters. Thus, when the pump assembly, more in particular the pump of the pump assembly, is active. It is furthermore submitted that the active level in practice may differ from a theoretical active level and/or the active level may fluctuate during use. However, as long as these differences are small compared to the overall level drop, e.g. are in the range of 1-12% of the level drop, the method still provides an improved pressure condition that allows for a prolonged economic life span of the tubular.
Thus, the water level in the annulus, when set to the active level, may not be exactly level with the water level in the annulus when the pump assembly, more in particular the pump of the pump assembly, is active but may deviate over a distance of several meters.
Preferably, when the water in the annulus is set at the active level, and the pump assembly is active, the difference between the two water levels is less than 15% of the level drop, preferably is less than 105 of the level drop, for example differs 20 m with a level drop of 300 m.
The method for installing a geothermal wellbore system according to claim 1 utilises a groundwater reservoir that has a groundwater level, and a wellbore that has a casing that lines the wall of the wellbore, wherein the casing extends into the reservoir.
The method may comprise providing the wellbore. However, the method also may start with an existing wellbore, for example a wellbore initially provided with a steel tubular, from which the steel tubular has been removed to enable a reinforced composite tubular to be mounted in the bore hole.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises mounting the pump assembly in the lumen of the tubular such that the pump inlet of the pump assembly is located below the active level.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises: - sealing the annulus at an upper end thereof, providing the annulus with a gas inlet for pumping gas into the annulus via said inlet, and providing the annulus with a drain tubular having a drain inlet such that the drain tubular is supported in the annulus with the drain inlet located below the active level; and - pressurising the annulus by pumping gas into it via the gas inlet and thus force water via the drain tubular out of the annulus and out of the wellbore.
In such an embodiment, the annulus is sealed both at the top en and at the bottom end, creating a sealed of space holding a volume of water. Creating the sealed of space allows for pressurising the annulus pumping gas into the annulus, and for thus removing water from the annulus via the drain inlet. The pressurisation gas can for example be air or nitrogen.
This method allows for removing water from the annulus using a drain tubular. The drain tubular can be more compact than a pump, which is beneficial given that the space in the annulus is limited. Thus, the water level in the annulus can be lowered to the active level in a simple and effective way, and without requiring the use of a pump assembly comprising a pump to be lowered into the bore hole. In this embodiment, the drain tubular has to be mounted in the annulus such that the drain 5 inlet is located below the active level. In an embodiment, the drain inlet is moveable supported in the annulus, such that the position of the drain inlet can be adjusted, more in particular can be lowered, until it is at the active level. Such an embodiment allows for mounting the drain inlet in the annulus prior to the active level being determined. Furthermore this embodiment allows for adjusting the position of the drain inlet when required, for example due to a change in the characteristics of the water reservoir or the pump assembly causing a change in the active level. In such an embodiment, the drain inlet may be located at the active level, which allows for setting the water level in the annulus by positioning the drain inlet at the active level.
In an alternative embodiment, the drain inlet is located in the annulus below a theoretical active level, preferably using an additional safety margin. In such an embodiment, the water level is not lowered until it reaches the drain inlet. The water level in the annulus and/or the water volume removed from the annulus needs to be monitored to set the water level at the active level.
In an alternative embodiment, the tubular is provided with a one way valve enabling water to flow from the annulus into the reinforced composite tubular, wherein the one way valve is provided below the active level. In this embodiment the method further comprises: - sealing the annulus at an upper end thereof, providing the annulus with a gas inlet for pumping gas into the annulus via said inlet; and - pressurising the annulus by pumping gas into it via the gas inlet and thus force water via the resin tubular out of the annulus into the tubular and preferably out of the wellbore.
In such an embodiment, to set the water level in the annulus at the active level, water is moved, more in particular is pressed through the one way valve, from the annulus into the lumen of the tubular. This embodiment requires the tubular to be provided with a one way valve below the active level, and thus requires to determine the active level prior to the tubular being mounted in the bore hole.
In such an embodiment, the water is effectively forced from the annulus into the reservoir, since the lumen is in fluent communication with the reservoir. It is submitted that the size of groundwater reservoirs is such that forcing the water into lumen will not change the groundwater level. This method allows for removing water from the annulus without having to lower a pump or drain tubular down the borehole. This is beneficial given that the space in the annulus is limited. Thus, the water level in the annulus can be lowered to the active level in a simple and effective way, and without requiring the use of a pump assembly comprising a pump to be lowered into the bore hole.
In an alternative method, the water level in the annulus is set at the active level, by reducing the pressure in the lumen, thus pulling the water from the annulus into the lumen. The water can for example be removed from the lumen by activating the pump assembly, thus reducing the water level in the lumen to the active level.
In such an embodiment, the annulus preferably is not sealed at a top end thereof, but is for example open to the environment or is, preferably at a top end thereof, in communication with the lumen.
Alternatively, to propagate moving the water into the lumen, the pressure in the lumen is lowered by activating the pump assembly, while pressurising the annulus.
In an embodiment, the system is a deep geothermal wellbore system, wherein the casing runs to a depth of at least 2000 m, preferably at least 3000m, for example 4000 m. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, the reinforced composite tubular preferably extends along the depth of the well bore, e.g. has a length of at least 2000 m.
In a further embodiment, the geothermal wellbore system is configured such that the active level is at least 100 m below the passive level, preferably is at least 300 m below the passive level, for example is 450 m below the passive level.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises pressurising the annulus after setting the water level in the annulus at the active level, and monitoring the pressure during the use of the well bore system. In such an embodiment, a change in the pressure may indicate a leak in the system, more in particular in the annuls of the wellbore.
The invention furthermore provides a geothermal wellbore system for pumping groundwater from a geothermal groundwater reservoir, using a method according to the invention.
Furthermore, the invention provides a geothermal wellbore system for pumping groundwater from a geothermal groundwater reservoir, the groundwater reservoir having a groundwater level, wherein the system comprises: - a geothermal wellbore, wherein the wellbore has a casing that lines the wall of the wellbore and wherein the casing extends into the reservoir; - a reinforced composite tubular having a watertight wall encircling a lumen, wherein the tubular is supported in the wellbore such that there is an annulus between the casing and the tubular, which annulus is separated from the lumen by the wall of the tubular; - a pump assembly, the pump assembly having a pump inlet in the lumen of the tubular for pumping water from the reservoir, which pump inlet is located in the lumen of the tubular below the groundwater level, wherein the pump assembly is configured to establish a level drop of the water level in the lumen of the tubular by pumping water from the reservoir via the lumen, the pumping lowering the water level in the lumen from a passive level, when the pump assembly is not active, to an active level, when the pump assembly is active, the level drop being the difference between the active level and the passive level; - a water tight seal, located between the casing and the tubular and below the active level, such that the annulus is sealed off from the lumen of the tubular and from the groundwater reservoir; - water volume, located in the annulus, wherein the water surface of the water volume in the annulus is level with the active level, such that, when the pump assembly active, the water surface in the lumen is level with the water surface in the annulus, and, when the pump assembly not active, the water surface in the annulus is below the water surface in the lumen.
The geothermal wellbore system comprises a reinforced composite tubular that is provided in the well bore. Furthermore, the system comprises a water volume in the annulus, the water level of which is set to the active level. It is submitted that such a wellbore system has a pressure situation in the borehole that is beneficial for reinforced composite tubulars, more in particular for the life span of such a tubular.
Due to the water level in the annulus being set at the active level, the reinforced composite tubular is subjected to a reduced compressive pressure when the pump assembly active.
Reduction of this compressive force allows for a lengthened lifespan of the reinforced composite tubular. The wellbore assembly therefore enables the use of a reinforced composite tubular in the well bore at a prolonged period of time, and thus allows for long term use of the wellbore system.
It is submitted that the level drop of the water in the lumen of the tubular is linked to the characteristic of the pump assembly, the well bore and the groundwater reservoir. For example, in an embodiment, water from the reservoir is allowed to flow into the wellbore via a water inlet, e.g. a filter, at a lower end of the casing. The permeability of the groundwater reservoir and the configuration of the water inlet determine speed at which the water is to flow form the reservoir into the well bore, more in particular into the tubular, at a certain pressure. Furthermore, the pump assembly generates a specific pressure in the lumen when the pump assembly active.
The level drop of the water in the lumen of the tubular may be determined by calculation, e.g. by running a simulation and/or by running tests in the wellbore.
It is submitted that the setting of the water level in the annulus is in particular relevant for deep geothermal wellbore systems, i.e. wellbore systems comprising a well bore extending over 400 meters or more. In such a system, the level drop is more than 150 meters, for example may be 400 meters. Thus, when the pump assembly, more in particular the pump of the pump assembly, is active.
In an embodiment, the annulus is sealed at a top end thereof, e.g. at a wellhead, and the annulus is provided with a gas inlet for pumping gas into the annulus, and thus pressurising the annulus, and the annulus is provided with a drain tubular, the drain tubular having a drain inlet, wherein the drain tubular is supported in the annulus such that the drain inlet is located at or below the active level of the water in the reinforced composite tubular.
In an alternative embodiment, the annulus is a top end thereof, e.g. at a wellhead, provided with a gas inlet, and the wall of the tubular is provided with a one way valve enabling water to flow from the annulus into the lumen of the tubular, and wherein the one way valve is provided below the active level.
In a further embodiment, the annulus is sealed at the a top end thereof, e.g. at a wellhead, and the annulus is provided with a gas inlet for pumping gas into the annulus, and thus pressurising the annulus.
In an embodiment, the pressure in the annulus near the top end thereof is similar to the pressure at the earth surface, preferably is above the pressure at the earth surface, more preferably is at least 20 bar.
In an embodiment, the annulus is provided with one or more sensors for measuring the pressure in the annulus, preferably is provided with at least one sensor for measuring the pressure in the annulus at the top end thereof, and preferably wherein the pressure in the annulus at the top end thereof is above the pressure at the earth surface, more preferably is atleast 20 bar.
In an embodiment, the annulus is provided with one or more sensors for measuring the water level in the annulus.
The reinforced composite tubular preferably comprises multiple tubular bodies, preferably each obtained by centrifugal or rotational casting a thermoset material, that are combined in a tubular body. Thus, the tubular is essentially a tubular string comprising multiple tubular bodies.
Preferably, the tubular, more in particular the tubular bodies used to compose the tubular, are reinforced using a filament, preferably multiple layers of fiber mats Advantageous embodiments of the method for installing a geothermal wellbore system according to the invention and of the geothermal wellbore system according to the invention are disclosed in the sub claims and in the description, in which the invention is further illustrated and elucidated on the basis of a number of exemplary embodiments, of which some are shown in the schematic drawing. In the figures, components corresponding in terms or construction and/or function are provided with the same last two digits of the reference numbers.
Whilst primarily presented for illustrative purposes with reference to one or more of the figures, any of the technical features addressed below may be combined with any of the independent claims of this application either alone or in any other technically possible combination with one or more other technical features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:
Fig. 1 schematically shows a geothermal wellbore system for pumping water from a geothermal groundwater reservoir with an non-active pump assembly; Fig. 2 shows the geothermal wellbore system of fig. 1, with an active pump assembly; Fig. 3 schematically shows a first embodiment of a geothermal wellbore system for pumping water from a geothermal groundwater reservoir according to the invention; and Fig. 4 schematically shows a second embodiment of a geothermal wellbore system for pumping water from a geothermal groundwater reservoir according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In Fig. 1 a geothermal wellbore system 1 for pumping water from a geothermal groundwater reservoir 2 is schematically depicted. The groundwater reservoir 2 has a groundwater level 3. The geothermal wellbore system comprises a geothermal wellbore 4, a reinforced composite tubular 5, a pump assembly 6, a water tight seal 7, and a water volume 8.
The geothermal wellbore 4 has a casing 9 that lines the wall of the wellbore. The casing 9 extends into the reservoir 2 The reinforced composite tubular 5 has a watertight wall 10 encircling a lumen 11. The tubular 5 is supported in the wellbore 4 such that there is an annulus 12 between the casing 9 and the tubular 5, which annulus 12 is separated from the lumen 11 by the wall 10 of the tubular 5. The water volume 8 is located in the annulus 12, The pump assembly 6, in the embodiment shown an electrical submerged pump (ESP), comprises a pump inlet 13. The pump inlet 13 is located in the lumen 11 of the tubular 5, below the groundwater level 3, for pumping water from the reservoir 2.
The pump assembly 6 is configured to establish a level drop of the water level in the lumen 11 of the tubular 5 by pumping water from the reservoir 2 via the lumen 11.
Fig. 1 schematically depicts the geothermal wellbore system with the pump assembly 6 not being active. In the initial situation depicted in Fig. 1, the surface level of the water volume 8 in the annulus 12 is level with the surface level of the water in the lumen 11, which are both level with the groundwater level 3.
Fig. 2 schematically depicts the geothermal wellbore system of fig. 1 with the pump assembly 6 being active. In the situation depicted in Fig. 2, the surface level of the water volume 8 in the lumen 11 is lowered, and is below the surface level of the water in the annulus 12. The surface level of the water in the annulus 12 is level with the groundwater level 3.
Thus, the pump assembly 6 is configured to establish a level drop of the water level in the lumen 11, lowering the water level from a passive level 14 depicted in Fig. 1, when the pump assembly is not active, to an active level 15 depicted in Fig. 2, when the pump assembly active. The level drop is the difference between the active level and the passive level. In practice the level may be 100 meters or more, for example may be 300 meter.
The water tight seal 7 is located between the casing 9 and the tubular 5 and below the active level 15, such that the annulus 12 is sealed off from the lumen 11 of the tubular 5 and from the groundwater reservoir 2.
Thus, the geothermal system depicted in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is configured for installing a geothermal wellbore system for pumping water from a geothermal groundwater reservoir according to the invention.
The well bore system 1 comprises: - a reinforced composite tubular 5 having a watertight wall 10 encircling a lumen 11; - a pump assembly 6 having a pump inlet 13 for pumping water from the ground water reservoir 2 when the pump assembly 6 is active; and - a wellbore 4 having a casing 9 that lines the wall of the wellbore, wherein the casing extends into the reservoir.
The method according to the invention comprises mounting the reinforced composite tubular 5 in the wellbore 4 with a lower end of the tubular below the groundwater level 3 of the water in the reservoir, such that there is an annulus 12 formed between the well casing 9 and the tubular 5, and such that the water levels in the lumen 11 and in the annulus 12 are initially level with the groundwater level. This condition, i.e. the reinforced composite tubular 5 being installed in the wellbore 4 such that an annulus 12 is present, is depicted in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2
The method according to the invention further comprises determining a level drop of the water level in the lumen 11 of the tubular 5 caused by pumping water from the reservoir via the lumen using the pump assembly 6, the pumping lowering the water level in the lumen 11 from a passive level, when the pump assembly 6 is not active, to an active level, when the pump assembly 6 is active, the level drop being the difference between the active level and the passive level. Furthermore, the method according to the invention comprises providing a water tight seal 7 between the tubular 5 and the casing 9 below the active level 15, such that the annulus 12 is sealed off from the lumen 11 of the tubular 5 and from the groundwater reservoir 2. In the particular embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and fig. 2, the water tight seal 7 is already installed. Finally, the method according to the invention comprises setting the water level in the annulus 12 at the active level 15 by removing water from the annulus.
Thus, according to claim 1, a reinforced composite tubular is provided in the well bore. Furthermore, the water level in the annulus is to a predetermined active level. By determining the level drop and setting the water level in the annulus at the active level by removing water from the annulus, the method provides a pressure situation in the borehole that is beneficial for reinforced composite tubulars. More in particular, due to setting the water level in the annulus to the active level, the reinforced composite tubular is subjected to a reduced compressive pressure when the pump assembly active. Reduction of this compressive force allows for a lengthened lifespan of the reinforced composite tubular. The method according to claim 1 therefore enables the use of a reinforced composite tubular in the well bore at a prolonged period of time, and thus allows for long term use of the wellbore system.
A first geothermal wellbore system 101 and a second geothermal wellbore system 102 are depicted in Fig. 3 and fig. 4 respectively. According to the invention, both systems have the surface level of the water volume 108;208 in the annulus 112;212 set at the active level 115,215. Furthermore, both systems are depicted with an active pump assembly 6, and thus with the surface level of the water in the lumen 111;211 at the active level 115;215.
Thus, according to the invention, the water surface of the water volume 108;208 in the annulus 112;212 is level with the active level 115;215, such that, when the pump assembly 106;2086 is active, the water surface in the lumen 111;211 is level with the water surface in the annulus 112;212, and, when the pump assembly 106;206 is not active, the water surface in the annulus 112;212 is below the water surface in the lumen 111;211. It is submitted that the wellbore systems 101;102 have a pressure situation in the borehole that is beneficial for reinforced composite tubulars, more in particular for the life span of such a tubular.
Both the embodiment depicted in Fig.3 and the embodiment depicted in Fig. 4 are configured to set the water level in the annulus 112 by pressurising the annulus. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3, the annulus 112 is sealed at a top end thereof, in the particular embodiment shown at a wellhead 116 located at the earth surface 117. The annulus 112 is provided with a gas inlet 118 for pumping gas into the annulus 112, and thus pressurising the annulus. The annulus 112 is furthermore provided with a drain tubular 119, the drain tubular having a drain inlet 120. In the embodiment shown, the drain tubular 119 is supported in the annulus 112 such that the drain inlet 120 is located below the active level 115 of the water in the reinforced composite tubular 110. This embodiment allows for a method according to the invention that comprises pressurising the annulus by pumping gas into it via the gas inlet and thus force water via the drain tubular out of the annulus and out of the wellbore. This method removes water from the annulus using the drain tubular. The drain tubular can be more compact than a pump, which is beneficial given that the space in the annulus is limited. Thus, the water level in the annulus is lowered to the active level in a simple and effective way, and without requiring the use of a pump assembly comprising a pump to be lowered into the bore hole. In the alternative embodiment 201 depicted in Fig. 4, the annulus 212 is sealed at a top end thereof, in the particular embodiment shown at a wellhead 216 located at the earth surface
217.
At the top end of the annulus 212 is provided with a gas inlet 218. The wall 10 of the tubular 205 is provided with a one way valve 221 enabling water to flow from the annulus 212 into the lumen 211 of the tubular 205. The one way valve 221 is provided below the active level 215. Furthermore, in the particular embadiment 201 shown in fig. 4, the annulus 212 is provided with a gas inlet 218 for pumping gas into the annulus 212, and thus pressurising the annulus
212. This embodiment allows for a method according to the invention that comprises pressurising the annulus by pumping gas into it via the gas inlet and thus force water via the drain tubular out of the annulus and preferably out of the wellbore. In such an embodiment, to set the water level in the annulus at the active level, water is moved, more in particular is pressed through the one way valve, from the annulus into the lumen of the tubular. This embodiment requires the tubular to be provided with a one way valve below the active level, and thus requires to determine the active level prior to the tubular being mounted in the bore hole. In such an embodiment, the water is effectively forced from the annulus into the reservoir, since the lumen is in fluent communication with the reservoir. It is submitted that the size of groundwater reservoirs is such that forcing the water into lumen will not change the groundwater level. This method allows for removing water from the annulus without having to lower a pump or drain tubular down the borehole. This is beneficial given that the space in the annulus is limited. Thus, the water level in the annulus can be lowered to the active level in a simple and effective way, and without requiring the use of a pump assembly comprising a pump to be lowered into the bore hole. In an alternative method, the water level in the annulus is set at the active level, by reducing the pressure in the lumen, thus pulling the water from the annulus into the lumen. The water can for example be removed from the lumen by activating the pump assembly, thus reducing the water level in the lumen to the active level. In such an embodiment, the annulus preferably is not sealed at a top end thereof, but is for example open to the environment or is, preferably at a top end thereof, in communication with the lumen.
Alternatively, to propagate moving the water into the lumen, the pressure in the lumen is lowered by activating the pump assembly, while pressurising the annulus.
It is submitted that preferably the system is a deep geothermal wellbore system, wherein the casing runs to a depth of at least 2000 m, preferably at least 3000m, for example 4000 m.
REFERENCE SIGNS 01 geothermal wellbore system 02 groundwater reservoir 03 groundwater level 04 geothermal wellbore
05 reinforced composite tubular 06 pump assembly 07 water tight seal 08 water volume
09 casing wellbore 10 watertight wall of the tubular 11 lumen of the tubular 12 annulus 13 pump inlet
14 passive level 15 active level 16 wellhead 17 earth surface 18 gas inlet
19 drain tubular 20 drain inlet 21 one way valve

Claims (15)

P34444NLO0/MHR CONCLUSIESP34444NLO0/MHR CONCLUSIONS 1. Werkwijze voor het installeren van een Geothermisch brongatsysteem voor het pompen van water uit een geothermisch grondwaterreservoir, waarbij het grondwaterreservoir een grondwaterniveau heeft, waarbij het brongatsysteem omvat: - een versterkte composietbuis met een waterdichte wand die een lumen omcirkelt; - pompsamenstel met een pompinlaat voor het pompen van water uit het reservoir wanneer het pompsamenstel actief is; - een brongat (wellbore) met een bekisting (casing) die de wand van het brongat bekleed, waarbij de bekisting zich uitstrekt het reservoir in; waarbij de werkwijze omvat: - het aanbrengen van de versterkte composietbuis in het brongat met een onderste einde van de buis onder het grondwaterniveau van het water in het reservoir, zodanig dat er een annulus wordt gevormd tussen de bronbekisting en de buis, en zodanig dat de waterniveaus in de lumen en in de annulus initieel hetzelfde niveau hebben als het grondwaterniveau; - bepalen van een niveaudaling van het waterniveau in de lumen veroorzaakt door het pompen van water uit het reservoir via de lumen met gebruik van het pompsamenstel, waarbij het pompen het waterniveau in de lumen verlaagd van een passief niveau, wanneer het pompsamenstel niet actief is, naar een actief niveau, wanneer het pompsamenstel actief is, waarbij de niveaudaling het verschil tussen het actieve niveau en het passieve niveau is; - verschaffen van een waterdichte afsluiting tussen de buis en de bekisting onder het actieve niveau, zodanig dat de annulus is afgesloten van de lumen van de buis en van het grondwaterreservoir; - instellen van het waterniveau in de annulus op het actieve niveau door het verwijderen van water uit de annulus; en - optioneel: pompen van water uit het reservoir.A method of installing a Geothermal Wellhole System for pumping water from a geothermal groundwater reservoir, the groundwater reservoir having a groundwater level, the wellhole system comprising: a reinforced composite tube with a watertight wall encircling a lumen; - pump assembly having a pump inlet for pumping water from the reservoir when the pump assembly is active; a wellbore having a casing lining the wall of the wellbore, the casing extending into the reservoir; the method comprising: - arranging the reinforced composite pipe in the well hole with a lower end of the pipe below the groundwater level of the water in the reservoir, such that an annulus is formed between the well casing and the pipe, and such that the water levels in the lumen and in the annulus initially have the same level as the groundwater level; determining a level drop in the water level in the lumen caused by pumping water from the reservoir through the lumen using the pump assembly, wherein the pumping lowers the water level in the lumen from a passive level when the pump assembly is inactive, to an active level when the pump assembly is active, the level drop being the difference between the active level and the passive level; - providing a watertight seal between the tube and the casing below the active level, such that the annulus is closed off from the lumen of the tube and from the groundwater reservoir; - setting the water level in the annulus to the active level by removing water from the annulus; and - optionally: pumping water from the reservoir. 2. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 1, waarbij de werkwijze verder omvat: - aanbrengen van het pompsamenstel in de lumen van de buis zodanig dat de pompinlaat van het pompsamenstel is gelokaliseerd onder het actieve niveau.The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: - disposing the pump assembly in the lumen of the tube such that the pump inlet of the pump assembly is located below the active level. 3. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 1 of conclusie 2, waarbij de werkwijze verder omvat: - afsluiten van de annulus aan een boveneinde daarvan, verschaffende de annulus met een gasinlaat voor het pompen van gas de annulus in via de inlaat, en het voorzien van de annulus van een afvoerbuis met een afvoerinlaat zodanig dat de afvoerbuis wordt ondersteund in de annulus met de afvoerinlaat gelokaliseerd onder het actieve niveau; en -het op druk brengen van de annulus door het erin pompen van gas via de gasinlaat en aldus het uit de annulus en uit het brongat forceren van water via de afvoerbuis uit de annulus.The method of claim 1 or claim 2, the method further comprising: - sealing the annulus at an upper end thereof, providing the annulus with a gas inlet for pumping gas into the annulus through the inlet, and providing the annulus a drain tube having a drain inlet such that the drain tube is supported in the annulus with the drain inlet located below the active level; and pressurizing the annulus by pumping gas into it through the gas inlet and thus forcing water out of the annulus and out of the well hole through the drain tube out of the annulus. 4. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 1 of conclusie 2, waarbij de buis is voorzien van een éénrichtingsklep die het water mogelijk maakt om de annulus uit en de versterkte composietbuis in te stromen, waarbij de éénrichtingsklep is voorzien onder het actieve niveau, waarbij de werkwijze verder omvat: - afsluiten van de annulus aan een boveneinde daarvan, voorzien van de annulus van een gasinlaat voor het pompen van gas de annulus in via genoemde inlaat; en - het op druk brengen van de annulus door het erin pompen van gas via de gasinlaat en water aldus via de composietbuis uit de annulus de buis in te dwingen en bij voorkeur uit het brongat te dwingen.The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tubing includes a one-way valve allowing the water to flow out of the annulus and into the reinforced composite tubing, the one-way valve being provided below the active level, the method further comprising : closing the annulus at an upper end thereof, provided the annulus with a gas inlet for pumping gas into the annulus via said inlet; and - pressurizing the annulus by pumping gas into it via the gas inlet and thus forcing water through the composite tube out of the annulus into the tube and preferably out of the well hole. 5. Werkwijze volgens een of meer van de conclusies 1-5, waarbij het systeem een diep geothermisch brongatsysteem is, waarbij de bekisting loopt tot op een diepte van ten minste 2000 m, bij voorkeur ten minste 3000 m, bijvoorbeeld 4000 m.Method according to one or more of claims 1-5, wherein the system is a deep geothermal well-hole system, wherein the formwork extends to a depth of at least 2000 m, preferably at least 3000 m, for example 4000 m. 6. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 5, waarbij het geothermisch brongatsysteem is ingericht zodanig dat het actieve niveau ten minste 100 m onder het passieve niveau is, bij voorkeur ten minste 300 m onder het passieve niveau is, bijvoorbeeld 450 m onder het passieve niveau is.A method according to claim 5, wherein the geothermal wellhole system is arranged such that the active level is at least 100 m below the passive level, preferably is at least 300 m below the passive level, e.g. is 450 m below the passive level. 7. Geothermisch brongatsysteem voor het pompen van grondwater uit een geothermisch grondwaterreservoir, met gebruik van een werkwijze volgens een of meer van de conclusies 1-6.A geothermal well bore system for pumping groundwater from a geothermal groundwater reservoir, using a method according to any one of claims 1-6. 8. Geothermisch brongatsysteem, bij voorkeur volgens conclusie 7, voor het pompen van grondwater uit een geothermisch grondwaterreservoir, waarbij het grondwaterreservoir een grondwaterniveau heeft, en waarbij het systeem omvat: - een geothermisch brongat (wellbore), waarbij het brongat bekisting (casing) heeft die de wand van het brongat bekleed, en waarbij de bekisting zich uitstrekt het reservoir in; - een versterkte composiet buis met een waterdichte wand die een lumen omcirkelt, waarbij de buis wordt ondersteund in het brongat zodanig dat er een annulus wordt gevormd tussen de bekisting en de buis, welke annulus wordt gescheiden van de lumen door de wand van de buis; - een pompsamenstel, waarbij het pompsamenstel een pompinlaat in de lumen van de buis omvat voor het pompen van water uit het reservoir, welke pompinlaat is gelokaliseerd in de lumen van de buis onder het grondwaterniveau, waarbij het pompsamenstel is ingericht om een niveaudaling van het water in de lumen van de buis te bewerkstelligen door het pompen van water uit het reservoir via de lumen, waarbij het pompen het waterniveau in de lumen verlaagd van een passief niveau, wanneer het pompsamenstel niet actief is, naar een actief niveau, wanneer het pompsamenstel actief is, waarbij de niveaudaling het verschil tussen het actieve niveau en het passieve niveau betreft; - een waterdichte afsluiting, gelokaliseerd tussen de bekisting en de buis en onder het actieve niveau zodanig dat de annulus is afgesloten van de lumen van de buis en van het grondwaterreservoir; - watervolume, gelokaliseerd in de annulus, waarbij het wateroppervlak van het watervolume in de annulus gelijk is aan het actieve level, zodanig dat, wanneer het pompsamenstel actief is, het wateroppervlak in de lumen gelijk is aan het wateroppervlak in de annulus, en, wanneer het pompsamenstel niet actief is, het wateroppervlak in de annulus onder het wateroppervlak in de lumen is.A geothermal wellbore system, preferably according to claim 7, for pumping groundwater from a geothermal groundwater reservoir, the groundwater reservoir having a groundwater level, and wherein the system comprises: - a geothermal wellbore, the wellbore having casing which lines the wall of the well hole, and the formwork extends into the reservoir; a reinforced composite tube having a watertight wall encircling a lumen, the tube being supported in the well hole such that an annulus is formed between the casing and the tube, the annulus being separated from the lumen by the wall of the tube; a pump assembly, the pump assembly comprising a pump inlet in the lumen of the tube for pumping water from the reservoir, the pump inlet being located in the lumen of the tube below the groundwater level, the pump assembly being arranged to reduce a level drop of the water into the lumen of the tube by pumping water from the reservoir through the lumen, the pumping lowering the water level in the lumen from a passive level when the pump assembly is inactive to an active level when the pump assembly is active is , wherein the level drop is the difference between the active level and the passive level; - a watertight seal located between the formwork and the pipe and below the active level such that the annulus is closed off from the lumen of the pipe and from the groundwater reservoir; - water volume, located in the annulus, where the water area of the water volume in the annulus is equal to the active level, such that, when the pump assembly is active, the water area in the lumen is equal to the water area in the annulus, and, when the pump assembly is inactive, the water surface in the annulus is below the water surface in the lumen. 9. Geothermisch systeem volgens conclusie 8, waarbij de annulus is afgesloten aan een boveneinde daarvan, bijvoorbeeld bij de bronkop (wellhead), en waarbij de annulus is voorzien van een gasinlaat voor het pompen van gas de annulus in, en waarbij de annulus is voorzien van een afvoerbuis, waarbij de afvoerbuis een inlaat heeft, waarbij de afvoerbuis wordt ondersteund in de annulus zodanig dat de afvoerinlaat is gelokaliseerd bij of onder het actieve niveau van het water in de versterkte composietbuis.The geothermal system of claim 8, wherein the annulus is closed off at an upper end thereof, e.g. at the wellhead, and wherein the annulus is provided with a gas inlet for pumping gas into the annulus, and the annulus is provided of a drain tube, the drain tube having an inlet, the drain tube being supported in the annulus such that the drain inlet is located at or below the active level of the water in the reinforced composite tube. 10. Geothermisch systeem volgens conclusie 8, waarbij de annulus aan een boveneinde daarvan, bijvoorbeeld bij de bronkop (wellhead), is voorzien van een gasinlaat, en waarbij de wand van de buis is voorzien van een éénrichtingsklep die het water mogelijk maakt om van de annulus de lumen van de buis in te stromen, en waarbij de éénrichtingsklep is voorzien onder het actieve niveau.A geothermal system according to claim 8, wherein the annulus is provided with a gas inlet at an upper end thereof, e.g. at the wellhead, and wherein the wall of the tube is provided with a one-way valve that allows the water to flow from the annulus to flow into the lumen of the tube, and wherein the one-way valve is provided below the active level. 11. Geothermisch systeem volgens conclusie 10, waarbij de annulus is afgesloten aan het boveneinde daarvan, bijvoorbeeld bij de bronkop (wellhead), en waarbij de annulus is voorzien van een gasinlaat voor het pompen van gas de annulus in, en het aldus op druk brengen van de annulus.A geothermal system according to claim 10, wherein the annulus is closed off at its upper end, e.g. at the wellhead, and the annulus is provided with a gas inlet for pumping gas into the annulus, and thus pressurizing it of the annulus. 12. Geothermisch systeem volgens een of meer van de conclusies 8-11, waarbij de druk in de annulus nabij het boveneinde ervan gelijk is aan de druk aan het aardoppervlak, bij voorkeur hoger dan de druk aan het aardoppervlak is, bij verdere voorkeur ten minste 20 bar is.Geothermal system according to one or more of claims 8-11, wherein the pressure in the annulus near its upper end is equal to the pressure at the earth's surface, preferably higher than the pressure at the earth's surface, further preferably at least 20 bar. 13. Geothermisch systeem volgens een of meer van de conclusies 8-12, waarbij de annulus is voorzien van een of meer sensoren voor het meten van de druk in de annulus, bij voorkeur is voorzien van ten minste een sensor voor het meten van de druk in de annulus bij het boveneinde daarvan, en bij voorkeur waarbij de druk in de annulus bij het boveneinde ervan hoger is dan de druk aan het aardoppervlak, bij verdere voorkeur ten minste 20 bar is.A geothermal system according to one or more of the claims 8-12, wherein the annulus is provided with one or more sensors for measuring the pressure in the annulus, preferably provided with at least one sensor for measuring the pressure in the annulus at its upper end, and preferably wherein the pressure in the annulus at its upper end is higher than the pressure at the earth's surface, more preferably at least 20 bar. 14. Geothermisch systeem volgens een of meer van de conclusies 8-13, waarbij de annulus is voorzien van een of meer sensoren voor het meten van het waterniveau in de annulus.A geothermal system according to any one of claims 8-13, wherein the annulus is provided with one or more sensors for measuring the water level in the annulus. 15. Gebruik van een werkwijze volgens een of meer van de conclusies 1-7, bij voorkeur met een geothermisch systeem volgens een of meer van de conclusies 7-14.Use of a method according to one or more of claims 1-7, preferably with a geothermal system according to one or more of claims 7-14.
NL2024812A 2020-01-31 2020-01-31 Geothermal wellbore system and method for installing such a system NL2024812B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2024812A NL2024812B1 (en) 2020-01-31 2020-01-31 Geothermal wellbore system and method for installing such a system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2024812A NL2024812B1 (en) 2020-01-31 2020-01-31 Geothermal wellbore system and method for installing such a system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
NL2024812B1 true NL2024812B1 (en) 2021-09-13

Family

ID=70155269

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
NL2024812A NL2024812B1 (en) 2020-01-31 2020-01-31 Geothermal wellbore system and method for installing such a system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
NL (1) NL2024812B1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE1030129B1 (en) * 2021-12-28 2023-07-27 Smet Gwt Europe IMPROVED COLD-HEAT STORAGE

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4078610A (en) * 1975-04-21 1978-03-14 Texaco Inc. Low friction loss method for fracturing a subterranean geothermal earth formation
JPS59164854A (en) * 1983-03-08 1984-09-18 Nippon Chikasui Kaihatsu Kk Method of ground water collection and return
JPH06228928A (en) * 1993-02-03 1994-08-16 Hiroaki Kamiyama Circulation underground device making cooling reduction liquid as revival/snow-melting geothermal liquid
US5370182A (en) * 1993-11-29 1994-12-06 Hickerson; Russell D. Thermal extraction system and method
US20080073058A1 (en) * 2006-09-22 2008-03-27 Hiroaki Ueyama Double-Pipe geothermal water circulating apparatus
CN110131781A (en) * 2019-04-29 2019-08-16 中国科学院广州能源研究所 A kind of mid-deep strata underground heat adopts fill system with well
CN107940784B (en) * 2017-11-14 2020-01-17 中国煤炭地质总局水文地质局 Underground open type heat exchange system and method for middle-deep layer geothermal energy

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4078610A (en) * 1975-04-21 1978-03-14 Texaco Inc. Low friction loss method for fracturing a subterranean geothermal earth formation
JPS59164854A (en) * 1983-03-08 1984-09-18 Nippon Chikasui Kaihatsu Kk Method of ground water collection and return
JPH06228928A (en) * 1993-02-03 1994-08-16 Hiroaki Kamiyama Circulation underground device making cooling reduction liquid as revival/snow-melting geothermal liquid
US5370182A (en) * 1993-11-29 1994-12-06 Hickerson; Russell D. Thermal extraction system and method
US20080073058A1 (en) * 2006-09-22 2008-03-27 Hiroaki Ueyama Double-Pipe geothermal water circulating apparatus
CN107940784B (en) * 2017-11-14 2020-01-17 中国煤炭地质总局水文地质局 Underground open type heat exchange system and method for middle-deep layer geothermal energy
CN110131781A (en) * 2019-04-29 2019-08-16 中国科学院广州能源研究所 A kind of mid-deep strata underground heat adopts fill system with well

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE1030129B1 (en) * 2021-12-28 2023-07-27 Smet Gwt Europe IMPROVED COLD-HEAT STORAGE

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10539128B2 (en) Horizontal and vertical well fluid pumping system
US3417827A (en) Well completion tool
RU2328590C1 (en) Separate maintenance process for injection or production well and implementation variants
US20090145595A1 (en) Gas assisted downhole pump
RU2005140272A (en) INSTALLATION AND METHOD OF FINISHING UNDERGROUND WELLS
WO2005100744A1 (en) Apparatus and method for dewatering low pressure gradient gas wells
CA2761935A1 (en) Systems and methods for deliquifying a commingled well using natural well pressure
RU2576422C1 (en) Method of physical abandonment of wells
NL2024812B1 (en) Geothermal wellbore system and method for installing such a system
RU2503802C1 (en) Down-hole pump station for simultaneous-separated oil production
RU2330936C2 (en) Method of lifting of fluid from well
RU2544204C1 (en) Development of oil seam by horizontal wells
CN110537001B (en) Double walled coiled tubing with downhole flow-activated pump
WO2010016767A2 (en) Subsurface reservoir drainage system
RU2498052C2 (en) Pump assembly for operation of beds in well
RU2652400C1 (en) Method and device for an interval study of a horizontal well bore
RU52917U1 (en) INSTALLATION FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY SEPARATE INFLATION OF A WORKING AGENT IN THREE PRODUCTIVE LAYERS
US10570714B2 (en) System and method for enhanced oil recovery
US11851974B1 (en) Resettable packer system for pumping operations
RU2769027C1 (en) Method for intensifying the production of reservoir products with bottom water (options)
US11905803B2 (en) Dual well, dual pump production
RU2726664C1 (en) Method of development of oil multilayer deposit
RU2766479C1 (en) Method of simultaneous-separate operation of injection well
RU154945U1 (en) Borehole wellhead fittings
SU713987A1 (en) Apparatus for periodic withdrawal of liquid