Scale Control Studies at the Cerro Prieto Geothermal Plant
- Key words
- Brine Technology; Production; Mexico; Baja California; Cerro Prieto; Silica; Amorphous Silica; Silica Saturation; Quartz; Scale Removal; Hydroblasting
- Location
- Cerro Prieto, Mexico
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1990
- Session
- Scaling; Silica; Brine chemistry
- Language
- English
Abstract
The high silica contents (over 900 mg/l) of the Cerro Prieto geothermal brines cause various scaling problems at the electric power facility. The scaling tendency of the brine is a direct function of the silica saturation ratio. A scaling rate of 1-10 mm/yr was experienced at low saturation ratios. Pilot plant tests satisfactorily predict scaling rates in commercial equipment. Amorphous silica deposited in process equipment can be dissolved by NaOH, KOH, and NH4HF2. The use of chemical products to remove scale from well pipes can be a better method of scale control. A process for colloidal silica removal has been developed using 20-30 ppm on lime as a flocculant agent.
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