Wellsite Verification Testing of an Advanced Geothermal Primary Heat Exchanger (APEX)

Abstract

This paper describes the well site test phase of a research program conducted by Aeroject Energy Conversion Company to establish the feasibility of using a recirculating solid bed material to eliminate heat exchanger fouling in geothermal service. Phase I of this program culminated in a laboratory demonstration of APEX concept feasibility with brine simulants. Testing under the current project phase of the research effort was conducted at the Geothermal Component Test Facility located at East Mesa, California. Technical feasibility was established by testing the effectiveness of the bed material in preventing the fouling of a heat exchanger test section. The elimination of fouling was demonstrated using both geothermal well water and facility cooling water as the fouling fluids. This program was conducted under the Department of Energy, Division of Geothermal Energy, Contract EY-76-C-03-1125.