Geothermal Pump Life Optimization Strategies

Abstract

A major mechanical element in any Binary Power Plant, is the deep geothermal pump. The objective for the pump life optimization strategy is to maximize the plant profitability , or minimize the damages of the pumps wear on the power plant profitability. The water of the geothermal pump reduces its performance and leads to a change in the geothermal pump's electricity consumption, accelerates the wear of the pump rotating elements, and reduces the flow rate. Pulling up the geothermal pump form the production well, imposes losses that comprise a fixed cost of lost plant revenue through the duration in which the well is not operating, plus the fixed cost of the geothermal pump's pull/push which includes the rig, tongs, well killing fluid, etc. This paper present a general economical model that takes into consideration all of the factors that are involved in a geothermal pump wear, and enables up to suggest a strategy for the optimal operational life of the pumps. In addition, this paper will present the recommended parameters which will focus the operators towards the efficient utilization of the geothermal pump.