Siliceous Scaling Aspects of Geothermal Power Generation Using Binary Cycle Heat Recovery

Abstract

Siliceous scaling potential of geothermal brines has long been an obstacle to the efficient energy recovery from some geothermal resources. In classical flash geosteam plant the brine for disposal was separated at high enough temperature in order to avoid ((silica oversaturation)) which might lead to scaling on hiher cooling for additional power generation through heat recovery. Recent years binary cycle heat recovery experience involved cases of brine cooling leading to ((silica oversaturation)) which did not cause extensive fouling in the heat exchanger part of the plant. Some case histories of such successful applications are presented. Kinetics of siliceous precipitation, being overlooked in the past, is nowadays tackled through various design andor operation approaches in order to keep fouling within acceptable limits.