Deliverable Wellhead Temperature—A Feasibility Study of Converting Abandoned Oil/Gas Wells to Geothermal Energy Wells

Many oil/gas wells are abandoned or approaching their end-of-life. Converting them into geothermal can significantly improve the economics of field operations and reduce carbon emissions. While such conversion has proven viable in some areas, this technology not yet been considered many other areas. It is highly desirable to investigate feasibility converting energy production local geological conditions. A new mathematical model was developed study for analyzing wells. This predicts deliverable fluid temperature a well by simulating heat transfer from zone through wellbore surface wellhead, considering pipe insulation. Factors affecting efficiency were investigated with generic data set. Results indicate that without insulation, returning very close injected fluid. The use insulation increase For system thermal conductivity Kp = 0.03 W/m-C, be increased 30 °C 124 °C. Adding an cement sheath efficiently further 0.20 148 Increasing length horizontal 2000 m 8000 159 Merely increasing vertical depth 7000 7800 m, enhanced 161 However, limited temperature-sensitivity drilling technologies, as stability fluids downhole instruments.