Effects of Water–Rock Interaction on the Permeability of the Near-Well Reservoir in an Enhanced Geothermal System

Abstract

During the operation of an enhanced geothermal system (EGS), the non-equilibrium temperature, pressure, and hydrochemistry caused by fluid injection intensify water–rock interactions, induce the mineral dissolution and precipitation in the reservoir near an injection well (also referred to as the near-well reservoir), and change reservoir permeability, thus affecting continuous and efficient geothermal exploitation. Based on the investigation of the M-1 injection well of the EGS in the Matouying uplift of Hebei Province, China, a THC reactive solute transport model using the TOUGHREACT program was established in this study to explore the mineral dissolution and precipitation laws of the near-well reservoir and their influencing mechanisms on the reservoir porosity and permeability in the long-term fluid injection of this well. As indicated by the results, the dissolution of primary feldspar and chlorite and the precipitation of secondary minerals (mainly dolomite and illite) occurred and water–rock interaction significantly reduced the porosity and permeability of the near-well reservoir in the long-term continuous injection process. Appropriate reduction in the injection flow rate, injection temperature, and the Mg2+ and K+ contents in the injected water can help inhibit the formation of secondary minerals and delay the plugging process of the near-well reservoir.