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Compact Broadband Instrumentation for Geothermal Field Monitoring

Geothermal energy is a rapidly growing area of interest as we look towards renewable sources of energy. Broadband seismometers are an increasingly important tool being utilized in all stages of the geothermal energy lifecycle, from the initial exploration phase through to production. The risk of induced seismicity as a result of pumping high pressure fluids must be effectively monitored to ensure safe operation.

Operators are making use of a mix of both sub-surface and surface stations to effectively monitor geothermal well operation. When monitoring stations make use of broadband instrumentation, the stations can be sparser in their distribution which is often more cost effective compared to large arrays of geophones. Broadband seismometers can record lower frequencies between 1s and 120s, providing more accurate moment magnitude (MM) estimates than geophones at larger magnitudes (MM 1-2), which is important to maintain the integrity of any traffic light monitoring regulations that may be in place.

Guralp Systems have developed a range of smart seismic sensors and data acquisition technologies that aid operators when instrumenting geothermal fields. The Certimus is a compact broadband seismometer which incorporates digital feedback sensor technology with the Minimus digitizer allowing for easy configuration. The digital feedback system means that the sensor can be easily deployed by operators and will work at any angle, allowing the instrument to be deployed with confidence. This same omnidirectional, easily configurable sensor platform is also designed into other packages suitable for sub-surface deployment, suiting all aspects of the geothermal monitoring system. Guralp have had over 15 years of experience of supplying broadband instrumentation for monitoring geothermal fields and has worked with a number of partners to provide turnkey solutions.

Session: De-risking Deep Geothermal Projects: Geophysical Monitoring and Forecast Modeling Advances [Poster]

Type: Poster

Room: Evergreen Ballroom

Date: 4/20/2022

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM Pacific

Presenting Author: James C. Lindsey

Student Presenter: No

Additional Authors