Abstract
Radioactive tracers have been used to study the movement of water in several geothermal fields, including Wairakei and Broadlands, in New Zealand. This technique has been particularly useful in hot water re-injection investigations for detecting the invasion of reinjected water into the production zone. 131I has been used as the tracer and the methods and equipment used to inject, sample and measure it are described. The single well dilution method of estimating horizontal flow velocities was found to be useful as a preliminary step to multi-well testing. A number of tests in both fields are discussed, and some details of the results presented. Peak velocities as high as 17 m/h were observed and tracer recoveries of over 10% obtained. Possible interpretation of some of the results in relation to available geological descriptions are made. The dominating influence of faulting on water movement, and the inadvisability of relying on distance alone to prevent cold water re-entering into a production field, is stressed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
