RESEARCH ABSTRACT

Evaluation and Beneficiation of Local Clay for Use in Drilling HPHT Geothermal Wells

Joel Sutter, Joseph Wanyonyi
Geothermal Development Company

Abstract

Kenya is targeting to be a mid-income economy by 2030. Energy is identified as an “enabler” in The Big Four Agenda, The Third Medium Plan (TMP III) and Vision 2030 framework. Kenya’s total energy generation is expected to increase from 2234 MW in 2017 to 7213 MW in 2030 and 9932 MW in 2037. Similarly, geothermal capacity is expected to increase form 650.8 MW in 2017 to 1868.8 MW in 2030 and 2647 MW in 2037. This will require drilling more than 500 wells. Consequently the Kenyan government through GDC is investing heavily in geothermal power exploration along the Rift valley. The success rate of geothermal power exploration highly depends on the efficiency, effectiveness and economics of drilling operations. One of the key elements of efficient drilling operations is the use of bentonite as drilling fluid. Currently, bentonite clay used in geothermal drilling is imported. The importation of bentonite has led to an increase in the drilling cost. As a result, the aim of this project is to evaluate the suitability of local clay from Meru and Isiolo for possible use in complex subsurface environments of high pressure high temperature (HPHT) well drilling in raw and modified forms. Both conventional additives such as sodium carbonate CMC and nanoparticles such as Multiwall Carbon Nanotube and nanosilica will be used to modify the rheological, filtration and thermal properties of the raw bentonite. The rheological and filtration properties will be determined as per The API RP 13B standards and API 131 standards. X-Ray Diffraction and X-Ray Fluorescence analysis will be used to reveal the mineralogical and chemical composition of the clays respectively. In order to meet the objective of the project, a total of Ksh. 149,995.00 is requested for purchase of equipment and reagents and local transport. The project’s timeline is one year.

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