MANAGING DEBRIS IN GEOTHERMAL PRODUCTION FLUID1
- Key words
- Strainers, filtering, debris, scale, solid removal, solid waste management, cleaning, maintenance, separators
- Conference
- Philippine International Geothermal Congress
- Year
- 2025
- Language
- English
- Paper number
- 20756033
Full text
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Abstract
Geothermal debris from flowing geothermal wells is a common occurrence in geothermal
plants and needs to be managed to avoid damaging critical equipment such as heat
exchangers, turbines, pumps, or reinjection systems. Slotted well liners, strainers and
liquid/solid separators are examples of equipment used for this purpose. This paper reviews
equipment designs developed in New Zealand to manage debris around steam fields between
1988 and 2020. Sources, types of debris and its impact on plant operations and maintenance
are also described. A discussion around learnings based on field operations is presented, as
well as suggestions for debris management equipment improvements.
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