Description:
Most theoretical fundamentals of geothermal geochemistry
were established by the mid-1980s, as were numerous practical
applications of these fundamentals to geothermal resource
evaluation and management. Since that time, these geochemical
tools have been refined to various degrees. Advances are discussed
in the categories of sampling and analysis, exploration
and resource evaluation, and resource management. Noted
developments include: widespread use of high-performance
liquid chromatography (HPLC); advances in spectral analysis;
new and refined chemical geothermometers (especially using
non-condensible gas species); analysis tools that enable fluid
inclusion stratigraphy; ground surface CO2 flux measurement;
integration of geochemical reaction models into numerical reservoir
simulation; scaling and wellflow chemistry modification;
new reservoir tracers and flow-line tracer enthalpy technology.
Emphasis is placed on commercially applied technology, but
academic developments are included.