Home Facts & Figures Knowledge base Geothermal heat Numerical and analytical modelling of wellbore storage effects in low-enthalpy geothermal well tests

Numerical and analytical modelling of wellbore storage effects in low-enthalpy geothermal well tests

This study investigates the impact of wellbore storage (WBS) effects during well tests in low-enthalpy geothermal wells with surface shut-in.

Numerical simulations and field cases show that WBS effects can dominate pressure responses, leading to incorrect interpretation of skin and reservoir properties such as transmissivity and faults. These effects cannot be removed by modeling and pose a commercial risk. The study recommends performing well tests with a downhole shut-in to eliminate wellbore influences and ensure reliable reservoir characterization.

The article is available for download here.