Evaluation of sintered bauxite proppant for binary enhanced geothermal systems

• DOI: 10.1007/s40948-023-00719-9
• Publication Date: 2024-01-23T07:01:51Z
• Authors: Bijay KC; Ehsan Ghazanfari; John McLennan; Luke P. Frash; Meng Meng
• Keywords: Comminution

Abstract Solid granular proppant particles are widely used in oil and gas development to sustain permeability through fractures after hydraulic stimulation. Similar proppants of interest for geothermal applications where the goal sustaining is same, but harsh environment risks rapid degradation that will reduce fracture permeability. Here, we present conductivity experiments using saw cut granite, tensile fractured aluminum control specimens packed with sintered bauxite ceramic at concentrations 0.0, 0.1, 1.0 kg/m 2 . Simulated conditions included temperatures up 130 °C normal closure stresses 60 MPa. Compared unpropped specimens, peak enhancement was 6 orders magnitude. At simulated conditions, were able over h, chemical dissolution decreasing time evident. Irreversible reductions crushing embedment during loading stages also observed. Overall, remains a promising option low-temperature binary-cycle enhanced systems.