Porausreikävarastot

Porausreikävarastot, often translated as borehole storage or well storage, refers to the capacity of a well or borehole to hold a volume of fluid before it is extracted or injected. This concept is particularly relevant in fields such as hydrology, petroleum engineering, and geothermal energy. The storage capacity is determined by the dimensions of the borehole, including its diameter and depth, as well as the physical properties of the materials lining the borehole and the surrounding geological formation.

In groundwater hydrology, borehole storage plays a role in understanding aquifer responses to pumping tests. The initial volume of water within the borehole can influence early drawdown measurements, and accounting for it is crucial for accurate aquifer parameter estimation. Similarly, in the context of groundwater recharge, the borehole can act as a temporary reservoir for injected water.

In the petroleum industry, wellbore storage is a significant factor in the interpretation of well test data, especially during the early stages of production. The volume of fluid within the wellbore can cause a distortion of pressure signals, requiring specific analytical techniques to separate the effects of wellbore storage from those of the reservoir itself. This is also relevant for injection wells used in enhanced oil recovery or for the disposal of produced water.

For geothermal systems, the storage capacity of boreholes used for heat extraction or injection can affect the overall efficiency and performance of the system. Managing the fluid volume within these boreholes is part of optimizing heat transfer and maintaining operational stability. The term emphasizes the passive storage capability inherent in the cylindrical void created by drilling.