Sedimentary Basins
Sedimentary basins present great potential as an energy resource. Unlike hydrothermal systems, potential projects are not limited to volcanic or tectonic areas that are less extensive than sedimentary basins in their areal dimension. Sedimentary basins are present on all continents and having been explored for oil and gas resources, a large body of data is available for geothermal exploration. Technological advancements in binary cycle power plants (e.g., an Organic Rankine Cycle system ) have made power production possible for sedimentary basins with average geothermal gradients (temperatures greater than 120°C at 3- to 4-kilometer depths).
Sedimentary systems typically consist of production and injection wells that recirculate produced fluid through the reservoir.
- The well flow rates depend on the acceptable pressure change (parasitic load) and the transmissivity of the formations.
- The lifetime of the system is determined by the thermal breakthrough time, which depends on the well spacing.
Project Spotlight
Estevan, SK, Canada
RESPEC led exploration, feasibility studies, well drilling, and construction for DEEP Geothermal, the first geothermal energy plants in Canada.
Fort Nelson, BC, Canada
RESPEC is the prime subsurface science and engineering contractor for the Tu Deh-Kah geothermal project in British Columbia.
Texas, U.S.
The RESPEC team reviewed and refined reservoir models and identified opportunities for future power generation.
RESPEC is #1 in Sedimentary Systems Evaluation
- We know the challenges associated with deep basin brines!
- First project to use horizontal wells.
- First project from a natural gas reservoir.
- Comprehensive well spacing studies.
- Extensive knowledge of oil and gas data.
- Use of GEOPHIRES techno-economic model.
- Experienced in both lithium and geothermal extraction.
Differences between sedimentary and hydrothermal geothermal systems
- Heat flow in hydrothermal systems is convection dominated (reservoir temperatures are nearly constant over a large vertical section).
- In sedimentary systems, low-permeability horizontal layers prevent convective systems from forming, so heat transfer occurs by conduction through the rock, resulting in temperatures that increase linearly with depth.
- Fluid flow in hydrothermal systems is typically fracture dominated, whereas flow in sedimentary geothermal systems is characterized by Darcy flow through a permeable, porous medium.