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Published: 1987

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Recent accomplishments of the program are highlighted by a successful limited term flow test of the Phase 2 reservoir at the Fenton Hill site near Los Alamos. This reservoir connection was established by sidetracking one of the deep wells into hydraulically fractured areas, identified by microseismic data after original fracture attempts failed to connect the two wells. Hydraulic communication was improved by supplemental fracturing. Preliminary testing indicated a reservoir with fracture volume and heat production area surpassing the values from the earlier Phase 1 reservoir. Following completion of the downhole reservoir system, preparations were made for a reservoir-energy-extraction test. This Initial Closed Loop Flow Test (ICFT) was needed to obtain operating characteristics for planning a much longer test for thorough reservoir evaluation. The 30-day ICFT succeeded with final production of about 10 MWt at 192°C, while injecting 285 gpm at 4600 psi and producing 206 gpm at 500 psi. The water loss rate and flow impedance were high, 27% and 18 psi/gpm respectively, but were declining. Radioactive tracer tests indicated reservoir volume growth during the experiment which was continuously monitored for acoustic or microseismic activity. Following the flow test, experiments were continued for several months during the venting process. Preparations are now underway for the Long Term Flow Test (LTFT). To understand as much as possible about the Phase 2 reservoir and to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of energy from HDR reservoirs, a flow test of approximately one year's duration is deemed necessary. Part of the preparation for the LTFT is the workover and repair of the production well and the installation of a competent overall flow loop and energy exchange system. 7 refs., 5 figs.