Geothermal wellhead maintenance: A statistical model based on documented Icelandic experience

Abstract

Icelandic geothermal industry has been shown to operate in an efficient manner. We investigated how geothermal wellheads are maintained at the largest geothermal power plant in Iceland. Interviews were conducted with maintenance personnel on site, maintenance diaries were retrieved where detailed description on the maintenance activities had been recorded. Also, maintenance data was gathered from the dynamic maintenance management system (DMM). Methods of major overhauls and maintenance activities were identified, as well as the frequency of these activities. Using this data, a statistical analysis was conducted to see the estimated intervals between maintenance activities and compare them to the recommendation provided to staff. This paper concludes by recommending a wellhead maintenance management system based on the results from the statistical analysis. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.