CPC F24T 10/13 (2018.05) [F03G 7/04 (2013.01)] | 29 Claims |
1. A method, comprising:
forming a closed loop geothermal energy recovery well system comprising a well having an inlet extending from a terranean surface, an outlet extending to the terranean surface, and a lateral interconnecting section coupled to the inlet and the outlet, the lateral interconnecting section being in a specified rock volume and at least partially uncased for direct conductive heat transfer with the specified rock volume;
selecting a geothermal heat transfer working fluid for circulation in a predetermined sequence within the well system as a function of at least one of:
the well system configuration;
the geothermal gradient variation in the specified rock volume; or
the formation geology in the specified rock volume;
selecting at least one of:
a flow rate of the geothermal heat transfer working fluid within the well system; or
a flow direction of the geothermal heat transfer working fluid within the well system;
sealing the uncased lateral interconnecting section with a sealant circulated in at least the uncased lateral interconnecting section;
introducing, after the sealing, the geothermal heat transfer working fluid into the well while maintaining the uncased lateral interconnecting section sealed; and
circulating a sealant in the lateral interconnecting section after introducing the geothermal heat transfer working fluid.
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