Numerical Modelling and Simulation Optimization of Geothermal Reservoirs Using the Tough2 Family of Codes

• Main Author: Vasini, Ester Maria <1986>
• Other Authors: Bortolotti, Villiam
• Format: Doctoral Thesis
• Language: en
• Published: Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna 2016
• Subjects: ING-IND/30 Idrocarburi e fluidi del sottosuolo
• Online Access: http://amsdottorato.unibo.it/7412/

In order to improve the reservoir engineering activities and, in particular, to optimize numerical modelling and simulation of geothermal reservoirs using the TOUGH family of codes, it has been decided to use the software T2Well for the interpretation of well-tests, coupling T2Well with the equation of state module EWASG, which describes the typical thermodynamic condition in high enthalpy geothermal reservoirs. T2Well-EWASG has been coupled and tested through the typical process of verification and validation. The application of T2Well-EWASG for the interpretation of well-tests related to the slim hole WW-01 drilled in the Wotten Waven Field (Commonwealth of Dominica) proves that it can be used as a tool for integrated interpretation of surface and downhole measurements collected during the performance of production tests in geothermal wells. The strength of this tool is that it allows to reduce the different possible solutions (in terms of reservoir characterization) within an acceptable error, by allowing the interpretation of surface and downhole measurements in conjunction, instead of separately. From this point of view T2Well-EWASG can effectively be used as a tool which allows an improvement of reservoir engineering activities. Finally, the huge amount of data managed during these activities has permitted to test and project the improvement of pre- and post- processing tools specific for TOUGH2 created by the geothermal research group of DICAM. In particular, the pre- and post-processing tools have been validated with a case study dealing with the migration of non-condensable gases in deep sedimentary formation.