Power Generation from Depleted Oil & Gas Wells – A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Abstract There exist several medium and low temperature geothermal sources in different areas of Pakistan. In those geothermally active areas, there are producing oil and gas wells with reservoir temperatures in the range 300-400°F. Such high temperature reservoirs generally have wells with well head flowing temperatures in the range from 200-300°F especially in water drive reservoirs. Hence, in water drive reservoirs, once hydrocarbons get depleted and wells get water out, the aquifer energy still keeps producing water, this produced water can be used for power generation through "Organic Rankine Cycle". As most of the oil and gas fields in Pakistan are located at remote locations with no connection to the national electric grid, this concept can turn depleted wells from a liability to an asset. This paper encompasses a comparative thermodynamic study of different geothermal power plant concepts, based on the produced water temperatures. Based on our analysis, the proposed technique can save millions of dollars & further improve field economics and help overcome power generation issues in remotely operated fields/areas of Pakistan. Moreover, the excess power generated from depleted wells, may in some instances be transferred to grid nearby.