Publications

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Significant costs can be related to losing circulation of drilling fluids in geothermal drilling. This paper is the second of four case studies of geothermal fields operated by Ormat Technologies, directed at forming a comprehensive strategy to characterize and address lost circulation in varying conditions, and examines the geologic context of and common responses to lost circulation in the loosely consolidated, shallow sedimentary reservoir of the Don A. Campbell geothermal field. The Don A. Campbell Geothermal Field is in the SW portion of Gabbs Valley in NV, along the eastern margin of the Central Walker Lane shear zone. The reservoir here is shallow and primarily in the basin fill, which is hydrothermally altered along fault zones. Wells in this reservoir are highly productive (250-315 L/s) with moderate temperatures (120-125 °C) and were drilled to an average depth of ~1500 ft (450 m). Lost circulation is frequently reported beginning at depths of about 800 ft, slightly shallower than the average casing shoe depth of 900- 1000 ft (275-305 m). Reports of lost circulation frequently coincide with drilling through silicified basin fill. Strategies to address lost circulation differ above and below the cased interval; bentonite chips were used at shallow depths and aerated, gelled drilling fluids were used in the production intervals. Further study of this and other areas will contribute to developing a systematic understanding of geologic contextual-informed lost circulation mitigation strategies.