Permeability Changes During the Evolution of a Geothermal Field Due to the Dissolution and Precipitation of Quartz

The changes in permeability and porosity associated with quartz deposition in an evolving geothermal reservoir are investigated. We review the processes associated with permeability changes in a geothermal reservoir and also review recent work on quartz solubility and deposition rates. Porosity and permeability changes are calculated for two reservoir models. The first is a generic model of a Taupo Volcanic Zone geothermal reservoir and the second is based on the model of the deep circulation system at Kakkonda published by Hanano. We find that when a reservoir experiences BPD conditions during part of its lifetime the lower reservoir becomes impermeable and a hydrothermal circulation system is only present in the upper part of the reservoir.