Flow Testing of Balcova Geothermal Field Turkey

Balçova geothermal field is located in a densely populated area which makes direct heat applications very efficient and economical. Heat produced from Balçova geothermal field is utilized for three main purposes: greenhouse heating, balneology and residential heating. Among these three applications, the latter one is the main application throughout the Balçova District Heating System. The field produces hot water from two different horizons: one shallow and one deeper zone. After had utilized for 16 years, few wellbores in the deeper zone had to be abandoned because of operational difficulties, and new wellbores were drilled in the same zone. Interference tests were carried out during flow testing at newly drilled wellbores. Analysis of pressure response at observation wellbores for production/injection practices indicated that there exists a very strong connection within the wellbores in the same zone. In addition, there exists also a hydraulic but weaker connection between shallower and deeper zones. Response of the field and the operational changes in production/injection applications are also presented