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Updated: Apr 7, 2026

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Reservoir Condition Pore-scale Imaging of Multiple Fluid Phases Using X-ray Microtomography
Published on: February 25, 2015
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Migration and Evolution of Geothermal Fluids in Karst Reservoirs and Geothermal Energy Development Model: A Case
Song Pei1, Zhehan Sun1, Kun Yu1,2,3
1School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China.
ACS Omega
|April 6, 2026
Summary
This study reveals Laiyuan
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Hydrogeology
- Geothermal Energy
Background:
- Karst geothermal resources are crucial for sustainable energy.
- Understanding formation and thermal patterns in Laiyuan is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the origin, evolution, and thermal controlling factors of geothermal fluids in Laiyuan.
- To establish a genetic mechanism and heat accumulation model for the karst geothermal system.
Main Methods:
- Hydrogeochemical analysis
- Hydrogen-oxygen isotope tracing
- Coupled water-heat numerical modeling
Main Results:
- Geothermal water is HCO3-Ca-Mg type, originating from atmospheric precipitation and circulating through karst fissures.
- Reservoir temperature averages 48.5°C at ~1363m depth, with heat ascending along fault zones.
- Groundwater flow and faults significantly control geothermal field distribution and thermal pathways.
Conclusions:
- Laiyuan's karst geothermal system has significant exploitation potential (5.50 × 10^15 kJ).
- Sustainable development requires optimized extraction schemes to prevent thermal breakthrough.
- This research provides a scientific basis for geothermal resource exploration and utilization.
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