Development of Ionic Based Fluid to Improve Fluid Hydraulics in Enhanced
Development of Ionic Based Fluid to Improve Fluid Hydraulics in Enhanced
OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
Project Title: Development of Ionic Based Fluid to Improve Fluid Hydraulics in Enhanced Geothermal Systems
Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma
DOE Award: $1.0 million
Cost share: $260,000
Project Summary: This project will develop a novel fluid system to improve fluid hydraulics in EGS. To reach this objective, the proposed fluid has to eliminate short circuits, i.e., fast paths, and redistribute fluid flow such that smaller fractures with low conductivity will receive more fluid. This team will be solving this problem by improving the hydraulic properties of injected fluids using ionic liquids (IL). These ILs will increase in viscosity due to the lower temperatures in highly conductive fast paths, leading to greater friction losses and forcing injected fluids into lower conductivity, higher temperature, and flow paths.