WorldWide Drilling Resource

Understanding the Evolution of Geothermal Fluids Adapted from Information by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay Dr. Trupti Chandrashekhar from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) and her collaborators from the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Amethi, and other institutes from Italy, conducted a study exploring the origins of hot springs along the Western Ghats in India. While the hot springs are famous for the spas around them, there are many possible applications, such as aquaculture, horticulture, space heating, and power generation. Researchers collected 15 thermal springs water samples, 8 groundwater samples, and 2 river water samples along a stretch of more than 200 miles. They studied the chemical composition, temperature, salinity, and electrical conductivity of the samples to understand the ascent of thermal fluids. Rock and water interactions were studied in the laboratory at high temperature and pressure to simulate the reaction of rock and water deep inside the earth. Researchers also carried out an investigation on the boron isotopes for the first time on Indian thermal springs. Geothermal fluids contain a wide variety of dissolved elements including carbon- ates, nitrates, zinc, copper, and boron. By studying these elements, scientists can decipher the fundamental processes such as water-rock interactions, origin of thermal fluids, and the environmental impacts of their exploitation. The geothermal springs along the western coast of Maharashtra flow along lin- ear faults which lie parallel to the west coast. Researchers discovered the springs had evolved from rocks millions of years old, and marine sediments played a cru- cial role in their evolution. The study points to a possibility of geothermal power project development in Maharashtra and proposes splitting it into short-term, mid-term, and long-term plans. The short-term plan could focus on uses like space heating, dehydration units for perishable food products, aquaculture, or natural health spas, which could promote sustainable small to medium enterprise businesses. Mid- and long-term development plans could be centered around the use of geothermal energy for generating power at a plant, beginning with the drilling of 10-15 deep exploration boreholes along the identified locations.The quality, quantity, temperature, pressure, and grading of the fluids would decide the type of geothermal power plants which could be built. “Geothermal fluids act as the source and feedstock for geothermal power plants, just like coal for a coal power plant, or wind for a wind power plant. India has an immense potential for geothermal resource development and has the potential to generate over 10,000 megawatts of power using geothermal resources,” explained Dr. Chandrashekhar. Drilling Fundamentals by: GEFCO, Inc. and the Canadian School of Environmental & Natural Resources Sciences 22 nd Annual Resource Drilling Fundamentals Training Seminar April 29-May 3 ~ Enid, OK phone: 580-234-4141 x214 e-mail: dschmidt@gefco.com Foundations by: Pile Dynamics, Inc. State of Practice: Quality Control & Quality Assurance of Deep Foundations Workshop April 8 ~ Philadelphia, PA April 10 ~ Washington, DC April12 ~ Richmond, VA April 29 ~ Burnaby, BC, CANADA phone: 216-831-6131 www.pile.com Irrigation by: Rain Bird Academy Training April 1-5 ~ Tuscaloosa, AL April 8-12 ~ Little Rock, AR April 8-12 ~ Pensacola, FL April 15-19 ~ Fremont, CA phone: 800-498-1942 www.rainbirdservices.com Pumps by: Franklin Electric Residential Basic April 3 ~ Bolton, ON, CANADA Irrigation / Industrial April 16-17 ~ Wilburton, OK phone: 800-348-2420 www.franklinwater.com/more/ training/franklintech-schedule/ Education Connection 8 MARCH 2019 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® The SIMCO 2800 drill rig is like having a big rig in a small package - perfect for geothermal and water wells under 300 feet. It is compact, ruggedly built, easy to maintain, and its all-hydraulic tophead drive is ideal for providing the power needed to get the job done. SIMCO ® Drilling Equipment, Inc. is a Valued WWDR Advertiser. Akloli Hot Water Spring in India, courtesy of Maharashtra Darshan. GEO