Flashing flow in hot water geothermal wells

Manuel Nathenson

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Flashing flow in hot water geothermal wells

Manuel Nathenson

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Abstract

The production characteristics of hot-water geothermal wells which flash to steam-water mixtures in the cased part of the hole were-analyzed. The flashing flow is assumed to be isenthalpic and, for purposes of calculating pressure drop, a finely dispersed mixture of equal average velocity. Water flow in the aquifer is treated using steady, radial Darcy flow. Calculations for a typical geothermal well show the effects on production of varying the system parameters of aquifer permeability, depth to water table, and base temperature. Field data from Wairakei, New Zealand, demonstrate the reductions in flow caused by mineral deposits in the bore. Data from Imperial Valley, Calif., agree well with calculated results.

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Manuel Nathenson. 1974. Flashing flow in hot water geothermal wells. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/ofr741075

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