A high-temperature downhole fluid sampler designed and developed by Iceland GeoSurvey (ISOR) has been used for the first time at the high-temperature geothermal wells of Landsvirkjun at the Theistareykir geothermal field in Iceland. Fluid samples were taken from different depths from two different boreholes.
This has been the result of extensive development work done as part of the European research projects REFLECT and COMPASS, which have been funded by the EU Horizon research program.
The deep sampler is designed to take samples of geothermal fluids in geothermal systems with the goal of obtaining samples at temperatures up to 400-500°C. During the development work, the deep sampler has been tested to take samples from wells owned by Orka Náttúran and Orkuveita.
Downhole sampling allows for the collection of more detailed chemical information from a geothermal system compared to sampling from the surface. This is key for monitoring of geothermal reservoirs and for the development of long-term understanding of geothermal systems. Thus, the technology enables energy companies to better monitor changes in the geothermal system, assess the reliability of the system, the impact of injection, and support sustainable and informed decision-making for the future.
For more on the research and development initiatives of ISOR, check out this interview Gunnar Skulason Kaldal from the 2024 Iceland Geothermal Conference:
Source: ISOR
