The aerated drilling experience of icelandic geothermal wells

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

There are several accepted methods of drilling a geothermal well, each with a set of distinct advantages and disadvantages. Aerated drilling is a method borrowed from the oil and gas industry and has been used to drill geothermal wells in Iceland since 2006. The highly fractured crust found in the areas where the technology has been tested in Iceland has brought its own specific set of issues and therefore increased the current understanding of aerated drilling issues and advantages. The rate of penetration has proven to be increased significantly and is similar to a conventional mud motor drilling in the hydrothermal basaltic region of Iceland. The method has brought geological information in intervals that has been made available where only indirect information (geophysics) has been available, adding valuable information to geological and reservoir models.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGeothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting 2008
Subtitle of host publication"Geothermal - Gaining Steam"
Pages32-33
Number of pages2
Publication statusPublished - 2008
EventGeothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting 2008: "Geothermal - Gaining Steam" - Reno, NV, United States
Duration: 5 Oct 20088 Oct 2008

Publication series

NameTransactions - Geothermal Resources Council
Volume32

Conference

ConferenceGeothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting 2008: "Geothermal - Gaining Steam"
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityReno, NV
Period5/10/088/10/08

Other keywords

  • Aerated drilling
  • Drilling
  • Reservoir exploration

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