DEWHURST GROUP LLC
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Services
Providing Everything You Need
RESOURCE EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Exploration is the first step in developing a potential resource. DG provides pragmatic, cost-effective solutions for both surface and subsurface operations. Our exploration services range from early desktop studies and remote-sensing applications, to geoscientific field studies including geology, geophysics, and geochemistry. In order to maximize the value of past efforts, we provide legacy-data review and data-gap analyses so that previous operations may be integrated into customized solutions for our clients. DG understands the importance of risk mitigation in the exploratory phase of geothermal development. Risk mitigation is central to our philosophy, which strives for high-value exploratory investment and low-risk solutions.
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Reconnaissance Studies
Before fieldwork is undertaken, data compiled from various sources can, after careful review and interpretation, provide valuable information regarding a site’s geothermal potential. Legacy-data review can focus field investigations on areas of greatest potential and priority, saving time and money.
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RESOURCE EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Geology
Geologic surface exploration is critical to the evaluation of any potential geothermal resource. Geology provides information on a system’s structural controls to identify patterns of fluid circulation in the subsurface; it can also provide valuable knowledge on geothermal fluid characteristics, overall resource capacity, and resource accessibility.
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Geophysics
Geophysics is the primary industry-standard science for defining the dimensions and structure of a geothermal field on the surface and at subsurface depths where the reservoir and main structures related to permeability are found. Our geoscientific team has expertise in related fields that allow us to perform field campaigns and appropriate interpretation and analysis. DG is well versed in volcanology, geophysics, inversion theory, and data interpretation—all of which are key to project success.
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Geochemistry
Geochemical techniques consist of sampling and analyzing solids, fluids, and gases from hot springs, fumaroles, surface waters, and precipitation in order to identify regions of potential upflow, outflow, and recharge. Geochemistry can also be used to determine the fluid-mineral equilibration temperatures of a geothermal system and the origin of reservoir fluids. Fluid characterization is crucial to initiate development procedures such as well design, well siting, power plant design, and even reservoir engineering.
RESOURCE EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Resource Conceptual Modeling
DG integrates diverse exploratory data (acquired through field campaigns in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, hydrogeology, and temperature studies) to model a potential geothermal reservoir. Such an integrated model is highly dependent on the quality and quantity of data collected by field operations in the exploration phase. In the modeling phase, DG determines appropriate strategies to conclude exploratory procedures and initiate exploration-drilling activities. Modeling can lead to the advancement of well planning, drill-site selection, future simulations, reservoir-capacity estimation, and successful power plant design.
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Comprehensive 3D Modeling
By integrating data obtained from exploration studies and from existing wells into a specialized 3-D modeling software, DG creates high-quality 3-D models of a resource. This allows for quick visualization of, and interaction with, the exploration data, for a better understanding of a geothermal reservoir’s key parameters.
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Resource Capacity Estimation
From the conceptual and 3-D reservoir models, a resource-capacity estimate of a geothermal field can be completed. This estimate is contingent on data quality and coverage, and seeks to determine a resource’s location, size, and geologic characteristics so as to calculate its accessible resource base. Using appropriate tools and methods, DG can estimate a resource’s potential for electric-power generation.