Geochemistry of the Coso Geothermal System

The Contractor shall gather and analyze extant and emergent geochemical and isotopic data to monitor the geochemistry of the Coso geothermal system.  The purpose of this effort is to provide a geochemical expertise that the Navy does not possess internally, expertise that is a critical component of the Geothermal Program Office's program to protect the Navy's equity in the Coso geothermal resource. 

The Contractor shall continue the compilation and evaluation of all Coso geothermal system geochemical analyses from brine and gas samples, including a variety of gaseous species and isotopes. Evaluation of the quality of these data will allow the Contractor to assess the operational sampling and analysis protocols and procedures currently in use at Coso.  The Contractor shall recommend modifications to these protocols and procedures, as appropriate to ensure the program is maintained at or above geothermal industry standards.

The Contractor shall conduct 4-D geochemical modeling of production field fluids (brines and gases) to track changes occurring in the reservoir due to production and injection activities.  This shall be done in order to track the maturity and overall health of the Coso geothermal field.  The Contractor shall use geochemical data to examine and predict reservoir effects of various injection fluids, such as: hot production fluids, cool/cold production fluids, cool steam condensate, concentrated brine, brackish local groundwater, and low TDS groundwater.

The Contractor shall investigate and recommend new techniques and processes which will contribute to the Navy's basic understanding of the relationship of the geochemistry of the Coso geothermal system, particularly the relationship of reservoir fluids to heat, host rock, source rock, reservoir conduits (plumbing), time, and other physical parameters.