Geothermal Brine, from Waste to Alternative Thermal Energy Source

Abstract

Brine is waste fluid from geothermal power plant. In electricity generating system, the separator will carry steam to turbine plant and channeled brine to reinjection wells. With high temperature, usually more than 100 C in Indonesia, brine can be use as one of alternative for electricity generating source. Brine with 173 C temperature and flow rate 252 kg/s from a geothermal field in West Java, Indonesia can generate 57 MW gross thermal energy. With underground piping strategy, heat loss can be managed to 150 KW for 1 km distance and still can preserve 2000 KW of thermal energy in final heat exchanger. The system then can be use for various direct use requirements, including tea and coffee drainage in local plantation with more efficient cost. Maximizing use of brine will have positive impact for geothermal companies and encourage local economy. The aim of this research is to build a general brine utility system to accommodate brine properties, piping strategies, technical and cost requirements.