Feasibility Research on Surface Water Reinjection into the Sandstone Geothermal Reservoir of the Guantao Formation in Tianjin Based on Laboratory Experiments

Abstract

Tianjin possesses abundant geothermal resources, and geothermal reinjection is an effective strategy for maintaining the sustainable development and utilization of these resources. However, several issues have arisen in the reinjection of sandstone geothermal reservoirs in the Tianjin area, including a mismatch between the reinjection capacity and effluent capacity, as well as challenges related to continuous reinjection. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the reinjection of exogenous water into sandstone pore-type geothermal reservoirs. This study focuses on the geothermal reservoir of the Guantao Formation in the Binhai New Area. The surface water treatment process for reinjection into sandstone geothermal reservoirs was determined through water treatment simulation experiments. Additionally, experiments examining the interaction between the reinjected water and reservoir rock were conducted to assess the feasibility of using treated surface water for reinjection into sandstone geothermal reservoirs. The hydrogeochemical response mechanisms and the impact on the reservoir under reinjection conditions were also investigated. The results indicate that a nanofiltration module and tubular microfiltration membrane are essential to ensure the stability of the system. The pH and TDS of water samples decreased after reinjecting mixed water (HHS) into the sandstone reservoir. The hydrochemical type consistently remained Cl-Na. The conventional water chemistry components and trace elements were influenced by the corresponding water–rock reactions. The reservoir minerals exhibited minimal precipitation, primarily consisting of K-feldspar and Fe-dolomite. The minerals produced during the experiment accounted for only 0.08% of the total cuttings’ mass, indicating a negligible impact on the reservoir structure. PHREEQC was employed to simulate the changes in mineral saturation index before and after the reinjection of mixed water and geothermal water, respectively. Notably, similar hydrogeochemical changes were observed in the geothermal fluids. Thus, this study demonstrates the feasibility of reinjecting treated surface water into sandstone geothermal reservoirs from a hydrogeochemical perspective. This research provides valuable insights for the development of external water reinjection projects in hot spring health care units, contributing effectively to the achievement of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.