13

 

Low-Cost, High-Temperature Logging Tool for Geothermal Wells--PhotoSonic, Inc., 200 Country Club Drive, A-2, Blacksburg, VA  24060; 540-951-8800

Dr. Hang Ruan, Principal Investigator

Dr. Richard O. Claus, Business Official

DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-00ER83068

Amount:  $99,780

 

Current pressure/temperature tools are expensive and require a protective heat shield, which is effective for only a short time.  These tools can only be used for logging and not as permanent installations.  PhotoSonic would modify its current, marketed multiparameter logging tool that uses low-temperature electronics to measure and log pressure, temperature, steam quality and steam flow in geothermal wells and steam injection wells.  We would replace the low-temperature components with available high temperature electronics to permit direct wireline data logging without the need for the thermal flask.  During Phase I, modifications of the tool design to incorporate high temperature electronics will lead to a significant reduction in tool cost and to more efficient geothermal well logging operations due to extended logging times.  PhotoSonic will work with a manufacturer of high temperature electronic components to design the onboard optoelectronic package, and with geothermal and other well logging companies, to test the prototype pressure and temperature tool in the field. 

 

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:  Low-cost, high-temperature pressure and temperature logging tools for geothermal wells would have an immediate widespread market and replace conventional tools that require expensive flasking systems to allow operation downhole.  Such tools would lead to more efficient geothermal well exploration and production, and related products would be competitive for use in steam injection and lower temperature oil wells.