Webinar – Reinforced Epoxy Casing Systems for geothermal, March 12, 2021

As part of the webinar series of IGC Events, this week’s topic is “Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Casing System for Geothermal Application”, with Daniel Holzer of Drilltec GUT GmbH.

• Date: Friday, March 12, 2021
• Time: 14:00 CET

The fluid composition of geothermal wells contains multiple elements that accelerate corrosion and induce scaling. This significantly reduces the lifespan of traditionally used steel casing systems, which must guarantee the wellbore integrity. Consequently, workover procedures are forced earlier than expected, and becoming a substantial financial burden. In contrast, Glass fiber casings do provide a much-desired alternative as this material is corrosion resistant. However, in comparison with steel, GRE pipes are up to now only available in relatively small inner diameters, with excessively large outer diameters. Thus, their handling and installation is limited by oil and gas standards that were originally developed for steel. The lack of a suitable alternative to steel jeopardizes the profitability of any geothermal projects, which are facing massive corrosion problems.

Therefore, the main objective of the project is to develop a cost-reducing glass-fiber reinforced epoxy piping that is especially designed for geothermal well application, with relatively large inside diameter and reduced outside diameter. This especially concerns the pipe coupling, which would allow an installation in new wells as well as utilization for workover of old wells. Furthermore, the project will include the much-needed guidelines (standard / code draft) plus tools for the design and qualification of the GRE piping system, combined with pipe and coupling load (collapse, burst, tensile) testing. Additionally, handling tools for the installation of the GRE piping system are designed / improved during the project. This will considerably accelerate an integration of the product into the market. The improvement in the field of well completion technology and materials are a major advantage in comparison to the steel-based systems. High corrosion resistance significantly prolongs the overall lifespan of the wellbore compared to conventional steel casing designs by integration of a safe barrier, which can guarantee the integrity of the wellbore.

The GRE-GEO (glass fiber reinforced epoxy casing for geothermal application) project will develop a new well completion strategy that aims to establish a corrosion-resistant alternative to decrease the development and production costs of geothermal energy while avoiding extra investments. Lower costs also improve the competitiveness of the participating companies in Europe. Reduced costs, shorter maintenance time, and mitigation of risks connected to health, safety, and the environment will increase social acceptance.

Register here: https://www.igc.events/en/webinar