Tracer testing in Utah FORGE project implemented by RESMAN
The RESMAN Energy Technology team at the Utah FORGE site (source: RESMAN)
Carlo Cariaga
8 May 2024
Energy technology company RESMAN has supported the Utah FORGE project with tracer test technology to characterize connectivity in the geothermal reservoir.
Subsurface reservoir services company RESMAN Energy Technology has announced that the company has been providing its tracer technology for the Utah FORGE geothermal project. RESMAN has so far completed tracer injection for all the fracking stages followed by meticulous sampling and analysis to assess connectivity and circulation in the reservoir.
The Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) is a dedicated underground field laboratory managed by the Energy & Geoscience Institute at the University of Utah and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Office. The project is focused on advancing the technologies and de-risking the tools needed to establish Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) reservoirs.
“Utah FORGE is a global test case, and we aim to accelerate breakthroughs in EGS technologies and to establish rigorous, reproducible solutions that make geothermal energy possible anywhere in the world,” said John McLennan, Utah FORGE, Co-Principal Investigator.
The tracer testing done by RESMAN will provide critical data on fluid movements, and connection integrity within the geothermal system. RESMAN offers a comprehensive suite of tracer technology options aligned with the required temperature stability range and resilient to extremely high temperatures.
“Having RESMAN involved in this stimulation phase is an opportunity to achieve more detailed insights into the interaction of the fracture stimulation stages. Tracer technology provides data used to help better understand fluid movements and connections, helping to improve data-driven decision-making in geothermal operations,” added McLennan.
The project is also a significant milestone for RESMAN as it is their first foray into the unique challenges of geothermal energy projects in the US. Thus, the experience of RESMAN in the Utah FORGE project has been a journey of learning, adaptation, and collaboration.
According to the project highlights published by RESMAN, 800 samples were collected during the initial phase of tracer monitoring at Utah FORGE. These samples were sent to Norway during the last week of April. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
“We are very proud to be selected for this pioneering project that can revolutionize the monitoring and management of geothermal processes worldwide. This is our first geothermal project, and it presents a significant leap towards sustainable energy solutions. Although there are many unknowns, we are confident in the transformative impact of our tracer technology,” said Partho Giri, Director of Global Operations, RESMAN Energy Technology.
“Our non-hazardous and non-radioactive tracers enable the lowest detection levels in the industry at parts per trillion (ppt). Our value proposition is obvious: we demonstrate the integrity of connections within the geothermal system, providing invaluable insights for enhanced operational efficiency and sustainability.”
