Reactivity and stability classification of organic molecules in geothermal reservoirs providing process oriented tracers for multi-tracer tests (SMART TRACER, BMU)

The project is integrated into „Tracer tests for the characterisation of sedimentary geothermal reservoirs (Smart Tracers)“ within GeneSys II. It is funded by the Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit (BMU).



Aim of the project is the develop and improve multi tracer tests for the characterisation of geothermal reservoirs. Hereby, the heat exchange dominating volume to surface are is to be quantified in push pull tests. For this a cocktail of thermally stable and non-reactive tracers with distinct difference in their diffusion coefficients (molecular mass) are required to be injected simultaneously.

Furthermore, a selection of heat sensitive tracers for various temperature ranges will be provided allowing to estimate the in-situ average and maximum temperature. By means of these smart tracers information on the long term heat capacity, average temperature and changes in the volume to surface ratios of geothermal power stations in operation should be gained.

Tracer testing will be done in the laboratory and in the field.

Main aims are:

• Determination of the reactivity and stability of selected organic compounds under geothermal reservoir conditions (high temperature and salinity) with various solid rock material surfaces
• Determination of the interaction between tracers and different rock samples, after a detailed investigation of the chemistry and mineralogy of their surface properties, understanding their catalytic effect
• Identification of kinetic reaction parameters, such as activation energy
• Establishing structure – reactivity relationships to classify and forecast the reactivity of unknown tracers in geothermal systems
• Development of chemical analytical techniques to determine isomeric mixtures of sulphonic acids from solution of high ionic strength

For more information please contact Iulia.Ghergut@geo.uni-goettingen.de or
tlicha@gwdg.de
More information on geothermal energy