Testing the Hydraulic Properties of the Drilled Formations

Abstract

Hydraulic tests provide the key data on the hydraulic conductivity of the reservoir formation and permeability structure of the reservoir. These hydraulic properties are fundamental for the success of a geothermal project. The first hydraulic tests are already made in the hanging wall of the intended reservoir formation during drilling of the deep well. After completion of the wellbore, the hydraulic properties of the reservoir formation must be extensively tested. This includes long-term tests, circulation experiments, or tracer tests. Chapter 13 gives a brief overview over some standard hydraulic testing methods, the practical conductance of the tests and the processing and interpretation of measured data.