Exploitation-Induced Infiltration of Seawater into the Seltjarnarnes Geothermal Field, Iceland
- Key words
- Reservoir Engineering; Brine Technology; Exploration; Iceland; Production; Seltjarnarnes; Basalt; Low Temperature Reservoir; Heat Source; Meteoric Water; Isotope; Gradient; Chlorides; pH; Heat Exchangers; Calcium; Silica; Corrosion; Sea Water; Chemistry;
- Location
- Seltjarnarnes, Iceland
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1986
- Session
- Brine chemistry; Direct use; Corrosion; Reservoir cooling
- Language
- English
Abstract
The Seltjarnarnes geothermal field, on the outskirts of Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, has been exploited during the last fifteen years for heating of the small town of Seltjarnarnes. Chemical monitoring of the geothermal water has been effective during this time. For the first ten years slow but distinct changes in the water chemistry were registered. During the last five years the changes have accelerated. The most prominent change is an increase in salinity. Serious corrosion problems have arisen in the heating system, and they have increased along with the salinity of the water. The main reason for the increase in salinity of the geothermal water is believed to be inflow of cold seawater at shallow levels. Cooling of the geothermal water is anticipated.
Copyright 1986, Geothermal Resources Council. Readers who download papers from this site should honour the copyright of the original authors, and may not copy or distribute the work further without the permission of the original publisher.