Larry Watters

Temporary Bridging Agents for use in Drilling and Completion of Enhanced Geothermal Systems

CSI Technologies, in conjunction with Alta Rock Energy and the University of Utah have undergone a study investigating materials and mechanisms with potential for use in Enhanced Geothermal Systems wells as temporary diverters or lost circulation materials. Studies were also conducted with regards to particle size distribution and sealing effectiveness using a lab-scale slot testing apparatus to simulate fractures. From the slot testing a numerical correlation was developed to determine the optimal PSD for a given fracture size. Field trials conducted using materials from this study were also successful.

Synthesis and Thermal Analytical Characterization of Chlorinated Polyethylene-g-styrene

Chlorinated polyethylene has been reported to be an excellent modifier for blends of polyethylene and poly(vinyl chloride) (1,2). Properties of blends of polyethylene-polystyrene and poly(vinyl chloride)-polystyrene have been improved but not to the extent possible for the polyethylene-poly(vinyl chloride) blends. The improvement in blend properties was attributed to the blocklike structure of the slurry-produced chlorinated polyethylene (3, 4).