Determination of fluid-flow zones in a geothermal sandstone reservoir using thermal conductivity and temperature logs

A new methodology for locating fluid-flow zones in a rock formation is proposed and applied to the Buntsandstein sandstone reservoir penetrated by borehole EPS1, Soultz-sous-Forêts, France. The method is based on analyzing thermal gradients obtained by two different methods for the same cored borehole, (1) from temperature log and (2) from thermal conductivity measurements. Comparing the two thermal-gradient datasets reveals the fluid-circulation zones in the borehole. Using this approach, we identified three main hot-fluid circulation zones within the Buntsandstein reservoir, two controlled by sedimentary facies and one controlled by tectonic structures.

► A methodology is presented for locating hot fluid flow in a rock formation. ► Thermal gradient from thermal conductivity measurements on core samples. ► Thermal gradient from borehole temperature logs run in the same borehole. ► Relative contribution of fractures and matrix on fluid flow at formation scale.