Geodynamics reports initial results from fracture stimulation program at Jolokia
Drill pipe ready at Jolokia 1, Geodynamics/ Australia (source: Geodynamics)
Alexander Richter
15 Kas 2010
Geodynamics reports initial success in its hydraulic fracture stimulation program at Jolokia 1 at the Innamincka Deeps JV, establishing enhanced fracture zones within the granite at its Jolokia site across two intervals at approximate depths of 4,400m and 4,700m.
In a release, “Geodynamics, as operator of the Innamincka ‘Deeps’ Joint Venture, announces that the hydraulic fracture stimulation program at Jolokia 1 has had initial success in establishing enhanced fracture zones within the granite at its Jolokia site across two intervals at approximate depths of 4,400m and 4,700m.
Initial results from the two fracture zones indicate that the enhanced fractures have different characteristics to the fractures observed at Habanero. Hydraulic and seismic data indicates that the enhanced fractures at Jolokia are initially steeply dipping and as a result, required higher pressures to achieve stimulation than at Habanero. Fracture conductivity increased threefold during initial stimulation, with 550 cubic metres of fluid injected into the fractures and 130 micro seismic events occurring, mainly associated with the lower fracture. The suitability of these fractures for further enhancement for use as an underground heat exchanger is still to be assessed.
The results follow the earlier positive indications from wireline logging and imaging data that fractures exist deeper within the granite at higher temperatures at the Jolokia location than those recorded at Habanero. Indicated temperatures in Jolokia at 4,900 m are around 278 °C which is 8°C higher than temperatures at Habanero at the same depth.
The results obtained to date are being further evaluated and will guide the next steps in the development of the Jolokia reservoir. The Rig is not expected to be required for further stimulation activities at Jolokia, as further stimulation is likely to be carried out using coil tubing units in support of pumping equipment.
Geodynamics has temporarily secured Jolokia 1 to allow the release of Rig 100, as planned, to its Hot Sedimentary Aquifer exploration program that will be undertaken by the Innamincka ‘Shallows’ Joint Venture (‘Shallows’) with Origin Energy as Operator.
The Joint Venture is planning to commence a two well exploratory drilling program in December to assess the potential of the Hot Sedimentary Aquifer resource within the Cooper Basin tenement area. While in the early exploration phase, the ‘Shallows’ project diversifies and extends Geodynamics’ geothermal portfolio and if successful, has the potential through further appraisal and development to deliver geothermal electricity production earlier to market from the Cooper Basin area.
