22 JULY 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Improved Method for Removing Scale in Geothermal Systems Adapted from Information by Blue Spark Energy Blue Spark Energy based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, recently completed the successful restoration of a geothermal district heating system in Lakeview, Oregon. The Town initiated the project to address restricted flow of the system, which was impacting essential service to the community, located 348 miles from the City of Portland. The geothermal system in Lakeview is used to heat local schools, the community hospital, emergency services station, and a dental clinic. By using geothermal energy, Lakeview offsets the expense and environmental impact of traditional fuels ensuring cost-effective and sustainable heating for the community. The functionality of the system was impacted by severe scale deposits which had developed over time. Given the critical importance of the heating system to the community, it was essential to find an economical solution that minimized risk and reduced the need for repeated treatments, especially considering the remote location. Blue Spark Energy was engaged to deploy their patented BLUESPARK® solution, using high-pulsed power technology to remediate the wellbore by removing the scale build-up restricting heat to the buildings. The wellbore intervention operation, performed in collaboration with Di Drill Survey Services, revitalized the geothermal district heating system, improving flow by 134%. Scale removal in geothermal wells generally involves chemical or mechanical interventions, resulting in higher costs, longer project timelines, and environmental risks while offering lower efficacy. The BLUESPARK technology harnesses a small amount of electrical energy released over an extremely short duration to generate pressure waves to break down impediments in the wellbore, offering an efficient, safe, and sustainable solution to extend the life cycle of geothermal wells and heating systems. “The project received strong support from the local community, demonstrating our commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions,” stated Scott Langum, project manager for the Town of Lakeview. “Our geothermal resource creates an economic advantage for our town in the provision of renewable heat at a levelized cost. It is with gratitude that we thank those involved in the project for giving new life to our geothermal system.” “The Blue Spark technology is about creating a powerful impact from a small amount of energy. I can think of no greater impact than in restoring vital services to this small community,” stated Marci Hamilton, Blue Spark president and CEO. “These results highlight the efficacy of high-pulsed power in geothermal wellbores, demonstrating the value that the Blue Spark technology can offer in increasing the lifespan and viability of these projects.” Photo courtesy of the Town of Lakeview. GEO
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