Universal Journal of Geoscience Vol. 5(4), pp. 91 - 98
DOI: 10.13189/ujg.2017.050402
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Preliminary Findings into Thermal Properties of Specific Stratigraphy for Geothermal Energy Prospecting Along the Williston Basin

R. R. Koon Koon ^1,*, I. Haraksingh ², L. Ufondu ^3
1 Department of Physics, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica
² Department of Physics, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad
³ Department of Civil & Geological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

ABSTRACT

The paper focuses on the thermal evaluation of geological well data along the Williston Basin, possessing the greatest potential for geothermal energy development. The research follows the criteria for possible electrical generation through binary type systems for medium-temperatures exceeding 80℃. The bottom-hole temperatures (BHTs) obtained from the geological well data are corrected to thermal equilibrium through the Harrison correction method, from which the findings clearly point to the Estevan 103.5'W region, as the best geothermal energy prospect for a binary type system. Three wells having the highest recorded temperatures at depth are seen in particular with well locators of 101/11-14-002-09W2/00, 121/10-28-001-10W2/02, and 141/03-08-001-11W2/00 having temperatures of 106℃, 100℃ and 127℃ at depths respectively. The thermal distribution map serves as a preliminary tool for investigating the potential of the Williston Basin for geothermal energy development. These maps, coupled with hydraulic maps, can be used as an enhanced method of determining prospective site locations for wells. Finally, temperatures above 80℃ were found at depths exceeding 2250m for the Williston Basin, overlying the Winnipeg and Deadwood formations.

KEYWORDS
Williston Basin, Thermal Equilibrium, Estevan, Thermal Distribution Maps

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] R. R. Koon Koon , I. Haraksingh , L. Ufondu , "Preliminary Findings into Thermal Properties of Specific Stratigraphy for Geothermal Energy Prospecting Along the Williston Basin," Universal Journal of Geoscience, Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 91 - 98, 2017. DOI: 10.13189/ujg.2017.050402.

(b). APA Format:
R. R. Koon Koon , I. Haraksingh , L. Ufondu (2017). Preliminary Findings into Thermal Properties of Specific Stratigraphy for Geothermal Energy Prospecting Along the Williston Basin. Universal Journal of Geoscience, 5(4), 91 - 98. DOI: 10.13189/ujg.2017.050402.