136 Geothermal Power Plants: Principles, Applications, Case Studies and Environmental Impact

Fig. 7.4 Hypothesis for creation of stable steam zone at 235 C; after [6].

and
qD  hg ðPi Þ 2 hf ðPi Þ ð7:2Þ
The term defined as qC is the heat per unit mass delivered by the rising bubble as it
condenses in going from state j to state i. The term defined as qD is the heat per unit
mass required to form a bubble at the upper level, at state i. If qC . qD , then the steam
phase will be continuous; if qC , qD, then the liquid phase will be continuous. But it is
obvious that this difference is simply hg(Pj) 2 hg(Pi), which is always negative for initial
states with temperatures greater than TM, the temperature corresponding to the maxi-
mum enthalpy point on the saturated vapor line (shown as point M), and which is
always positive for initial states with temperatures lower than TM.
Thus, we see that the steam phase should begin where the reservoir temperature
approximates the maximum-enthalpy temperature of 235 C. At depths below this tem-
perature level, we would expect the pressure to vary with depth hydrostatically, but
above this level, i.e., throughout the dry-steam reservoir, we would expect roughly
constant temperature and pressure. The pressure and temperature gradients through
the shallow levels of cap rock including the zone of condensation would be close to the
boiling point curve, i.e., a column of water that has a temperature at each point along
the column that is equal to the saturation temperature corresponding to its hydrostatic
pressure. See Fig. 7.5.
It is clear from Fig. 7.5 that the dry-steam reservoir is characterized by a pressure
far below the hydrostatic pressure at the same depth. This pressure deficiency can only
be maintained if the permeability of the surrounding formation is very low, effectively
isolating the steam field from the influx of liquid from the lateral portions of the
greater field. This phenomenon will play a key role when fluid is injected into the for-
mation to prolong the life and productivity of the field. Clearly, the fluid will be readily
accepted, in effect, sucked into the reservoir, but the liquid could have the unwanted
result of flooding the steam field unless the injection wells are carefully sited and the
injection rate is balanced against the rate of steam extraction.
In the first major attempt to restore fluid to a dry-steam field during exploitation,
a program of injection was begun in 1989 in the southeast area of The Geysers [14].