Simulation of the Steam Pipeline Network in the Monteverdi Geothermal Field

Abstract

This report describes the results of a numerical simulation of a steam pipeline network in Monteverdi geothermal field. This model evaluates pressure drops, temperature distributions, mass and energy flow rates, steam qualities, non condensable gas content, heat losses along the pipeline network using as an input the well and turbine characteristic curves. Since the thermal characteristics of the new well W16 were not known, its dynamic temperature wellbore profile was simulated by means of another computer model in order to evaluate the wellhead superheating. This piece of information was needed to decide the configuration of the pipeline and the location of the scrubbing unit. In particular, this work aimed at: • defining new configuration of the steam pipeline network • simulating the thermodynamic conditions in all its branches. Once the general network layout was defined, an optimization of the relevant parameters was carried out. The simulation pointed out a branch in which pressure losses were excessive.