Following the installation of a re-configured choke/filter set-up, the diagnostic flow test started on 24 May at a flow rate of roughly 10kg/sec. Well logging confirmed down-hole temperatures of 246°C at a depth of 3,870m during flow, according to Geodynamics.
“The chemical composition of the hot brine is regularly sampled during the flow for analyses,” the company said.
“The brine fluid composition is benign and the installed environmental detection system (field monitors) have not recorded any adverse conditions.”
An enlargement in the choke setting saw a sudden increase in the flow rate, the company said. Flow rates reached in excess of 25kg/sec, with well-head brine temperature rising to about 210°C.
“Results achieved to date indicate that conditions are generally favourable for achieving our overall aim namely, generating large-scale, zero-emission power from a known HFR geothermal resource in the Cooper Basin,” said managing director Bertus de Graaf.
