Capabilities to Determine Rock Properties at Simulated Geothermal Conditions

To date, a very limited amount of rock property research has been conducted under conditions simulating actual geothermal resource conditions. Consequently, limitations exist in the definition and modeling of potential goethermal resources. A test machine was, therefore, constructed specifically to meet the geothermal community data requirements in the areas of surface exploration and subsurface evaluation, drilling, reservoir engineering, stimulation, and subsidence prediction. The machine is capable of testing up to 10.2-cm-(4-in-) dia rock cores at confining pressures up to 200 MPa and 538 C (1000 F) temperature. Mechanical and thermal response tests at conditions simulating downhole pressures and temperatures have been conducted thus far.