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Rodriguez Tribaldos, Veronica

Publications and source records attributed to Rodriguez Tribaldos, Veronica.

EGS Collab Experiment 2: Continuous Active Source Seismic Monitoring (CASSM)

The dataset contains continuous active-source seismic monitoring (CASSM) data collected during EGS Collab Experiment 2, conducted from February to September 2022 at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota. This experiment aimed to investigate enhanced geothermal systems through high-pressure fluid injections at depths of 1200-1500 meters. The seismic monitoring system included 16 three-component piezoelectric accelerometers and 24 hydrophones installed in boreholes around the injection zones, recording signals from piezoelectric seismic sources. Data were acquired using both continuous and triggered recording systems, with sampling rates of up to 100 kHz. The raw data are organized by timestamps and stored in .dat format, with accompanying log files. Calibration certificates for selected accelerometers are provided to aid in correcting sensor responses, though users are advised to consider possible effects of enclosures and installation on sensor performance. Users are strongly advised to consult the accompanying report, which outlines the experimental setup, data acquisition, sensor specifications, and recording systems.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

EGS Collab Experiment 2: Distributed Fiber Optic Temperature Data (DTS)

Distributed fiber optic sensing was an important part of the monitoring system for EGS Collab Experiment #2. A single loop of custom fiber package was grouted into the four monitoring boreholes that bracketed the experiment volume. This fiber package contained two multi-mode fibers and four single-mode fibers. These fibers were connected to an array of fiber optic interrogator units, each targeting a different measurement. The distributed temperature system (DTS) consisted of a Silixa XT-DTS unit, connected to both ends of one of the two multi-mode fibers. This system measured absolute temperature along the entire length of fiber for the duration of the experiment at a sampling rate of approximately 10 minutes. This dataset includes both raw data in XML format from the XT-DTS, as well as a processed dataset with the sections of data pertaining only to the boreholes are extracted. We have also included a report that provides all of the relevant details necessary for users to process and interpret the data for themselves. Please read this accompanying report. If, after reading it, there are still outstanding questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Happy processing.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

EGS Collab Experiment 2: Continuous Broadband Seismic Waveform Data

Two broadband seismometers were installed on the 4100 level and recorded for the duration of EGS Collab Experiment #2. Inspired by published data from similar instruments installed in the Aspo Hard Rock Lab, these long-period instruments aimed to measure the tilting of the drift in response to the injection of fluid into the testbed. One instrument was installed underneath the wellheads in Site A (aka the "battery" alcove) and the other was installed along the east wall of the drift, south of Site B. Due to the feet of gravel (ballast) laid along the floor of the drift, we were unable to anchor the sensors directly to the rock. As a result, the coupling of the sensors to the experiment rock volume is likely poor. In addition, there are a number of noise sources that complicate the interpretation of the data. For example, sensor BBB is installed adjacent (within 3 ft) to the rail line that runs towards the Ross shaft. Trains (motors) run along this line almost daily and produce a large signal in these data. Careful extraction of periods of interest, as well as filtering for specific signals, is necessary. The sensors are Nanometrics Trillium Compact Posthole seismometers, sensitive down to 120 seconds period. They were installed as close to the drift wall and as deep as we could manually excavate (only about 1 ft or so). The holes were leveled with sand and the sensors were placed on a paver before backfilling with sand. The hole was then covered by a bucket filled with insulation to improve the sensor's isolation from daily temperature variations, which are minor but present due to drift ventilation from the surface. Data were recorded on Nanometrics Centaur digitizers at 100 Hz. The full response information is available in the StationXML file provided here, or by querying the sensors through the IRIS DMC (see links below). These instruments were provided free of charge through the IRIS PASSCAL instrument center. The network code is XP and the station codes are BBA and BBB. The waveform data can be queried through the IRIS FDSN server using any method the user likes. One convenient option is to use the Obspy python package: https://docs.obspy.org/packages/obspy.clients.fdsn.html

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

The EGS Collab Project – Stimulations at Two Depths

The EGS Collab project, supported by the US Department of Energy, is performing intensively monitored rock stimulation and flow tests at the 10-m scale in an underground research laboratory to address challenges in implementing enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). Data and observations from the field tests are compared to simulations to understand processes and build confidence in numerical modeling of the processes. We have completed Experiment 1 (of 3), which examined hydraulic fracturing in a well-characterized underground fractured phyllite test bed at a depth of approximately 1.5 km at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, South Dakota. Testbed characterization included fracture mapping, borehole acoustic and optical televiewers, full waveform sonic, conductivity, resistivity, temperature, campaign p- and s-wave investigations and electrical resistance tomography. Borehole geophysical techniques including passive seismic, continuous active source seismic monitoring, electrical resistance tomography, fiber-based distributed strain, distributed temperature, and distributed acoustic monitoring, were used to carefully monitor stimulation events and flow tests. More than a dozen stimulations and nearly one year of flow tests were performed. Quality data and detailed observations were collected and analyzed during stimulation and water flow tests using ambient temperature and chilled water. We achieved adaptive control of the tests using real-time monitoring and rapid dissemination of data and near-real-time simulation. More detailed numerical simulation was performed to answer key experimental design questions, forecast fracture propagation trajectories and extents, and analyze and evaluate results. Data are freely available from the Geothermal Data Repository. Experiment 2 examines the potential for hydraulic shearing in amphibolite at a depth of about 1.25 km at SURF. This site has a different set of stress and fracture conditions than Experiment 1. The Experiment 2 testbed consists of nine subhorizontal boreholes configured in two fans of two boreholes which surround the testbed and contain grouted-in electrical resistance tomography, seismic sensors, active seismic sources and distributed fiber sensors. A “five-spot” set of test wells that extends from a custom mined alcove includes an injection well and four production/monitoring wells. The testbed was characterized geophysically and hydrologically, and three stimulations have been performed using the Step-Rate Injection Method for Fracture In-Situ Properties (SIMFIP) tool to measure strains, and a new strain quantifying tool (downhole robotic strain analysis tool -DORSA) was deployed in a monitoring hole during stimulation. Real-time data were broadcast during stimulations to allow real-time response to arising issues.

EGS Collab, Enhanced Geothermal Systems, EGS, fiel↗