Experimental And Theoretical Observations Of Scaling Rate And Implications For Anti-Scaling Practises

Abstract

Mineral scaling in wells and power plant facilities is one of the main obstacles to increasing the effectiveness of utilization of the limited geothermal resources. Brine acidification has had considerable success in controlling silica polymerization and deposition in above-ground equipment. Organic inhibitors have also been trialed. Meanwhile, fouling by stibnite and loss of well injectivity can be persistent problems, particularly in binary or flash plant operation. In this paper we present a summary of the experimental and theoretical studies of the fouling phenomena conducted at the University of Canterbury. An improved understanding of the interrelation between the chemical and hydrodynamic conditions of the scaling process and its dominant mechanisms was achieved. This contributes towards optimization of the anti-scaling and maintenance measures.