Improved compositions and method for forming thermally conductive sheath

Abstract

A high-thermal conductivity suspension is provided that comprises a high apparent viscosity carrier fluid and a plurality of high thermal conductivity particles. A system for using this high-thermal conductivity suspension to form a compacted high thermal conductivity sheath is also presented which comprises a step of settling the plurality of high thermal conductivity particles previously suspended in the high viscosity carrier fluid via viscosity breaking and a step of consolidating the settled plurality of particles via hydraulic or chemical consolidation. The resulting high thermal conductivity compacted sheath enhances heat transfer from a target location in a geological formation to a working fluid in a closed-loop heat harvester casing within a geothermal wellbore for electrical or thermal energy generation.

Images