Introduction of an Automated Vertical Drilling System to Improve Drilling Performance on Deep Geothermal Wells

摘要

Geothermal drilling has a long history in California where several of the biggest geothermal reservoirs are located. During recent years, geothermal drilling activity has significantly increased and spread into the neighboring states of California. One of the hot spots is Nevada, where several new geothermal projects were started. Several new geothermal reservoirs are currently explored in Nevada, from which many are located at greater depth. In order to improve drilling performance and to increase efficiency on geothermal projects, service companies are implementing new technologies into geothermal drilling. One of these technologies is an automated downhole vertical drilling system. This paper provides an overview of the utilized Vertical Drilling System (VDS) and describes its first applications on three geothermal projects in Nevada. The challenges of drilling in these areas are discussed and the results are presented. Recommendations and an outlook into future technologies will be provided.