First commercial high-temp logging tool introduced by Thermochem
Thermochem 400C TPS Tool (source: Thermochem)
Carlo Cariaga
25 Aug 2022
Thermochem has developed a new logging tool that can withstand temperatures of up to 400 C, suitable for supercritical fluids in deep-seated geothermal reservoirs.
Thermochem, Inc. has developed a memory TPS (Temperature, Pressure, Spinner) logging tool that can be deployed under extreme well conditions, far exceeding conventional logging tool capabilities. The tool has been tested under simulated wellbore conditions up to 400 °C.
A complete range of simulated well temperature tests have been performed to enable the maximum safe time-in-well to be calculated based on the temperature profile of the well to be logged. An integrated approach, utilizing a high-performance heat shield, combined with internal heatsinking, high-temperature electronics and battery has allowed us to meet the aggressive goal of a 400 °C logging tool. The new tool will also function for much longer times downhole in conventional geothermal well logging applications in the range of 350 °C and less.
The hardware for this tool has been carefully designed to maximize the thermal performance of the tool, while ensuring the serviceability of the tool was not compromised. The electronics have been designed to operate up to an internal tool temperature of 200°C. Thermochem has extensively tested and now has a battery capable of supporting the demanding operating conditions of this tool.
This new TPS tool is needed for the expansion of geothermal energy production to supercritical fluid applications, high-temperature EGS and the tapping of deep-seated geothermal reservoirs. Examples of geothermal sites requiring the new tool for development include Iceland’s Deep Drilling Project (IDDP-2) and the Larderello geothermal field in Italy (DECRAMBLE). These applications are critical to the continued expansion of geothermal energy worldwide, allowing access to a much-broader resource base than currently possible.
The details of this work will be presented at the Geothermal Rising 2022 Annual Conference in Reno Nevada.
The Thermochem companies, based in the United States of America and Indonesia, have provided technological expertise to the geothermal energy industry for over 30 years. Thermochem provides sophisticated technical services and products related to the geothermal industry, including research, development, and the manufacture of specialized equipment, in addition to laboratory and consulting services.
Source: Email correspondence
