Total Reinjection Project in Ahuachap·n Power Station (El Salvador)

Abstract

Starting in 1976, Ahuachap·n Geothermal Power Station had been managing its residual geothermal fluids through a long open channel from the field to the Pacific Ocean. This open channel has caused different environment impacts such as damage in some neighbor-cultivated areas, river pollution and even some burns to people.
With the development of "Ahuachap·n Total Reinjection", in 1998 all the geothermal fluids are reinjected to the field, stopping all discharges to the sea and surround surfaces. The Project consisted of the design and construction of a Reinjection Pumping Station, which is divided in three main systems: Hot brine pumping reinjection, Condensate pumping reinjection and Occasional and Emergency pumping reinjection.
Using modern technology and taking into account all the environmental, safety and functional considerations to assure an adequate performance, Ahuachap·n Geothermal Power Station has a cleaner and environmentally friendly production and also guarantees its field sustainability with the total geothermal fluid reinjection.