Corrosion Tests and the Use of Inhibitors in Low Temperature Geothermal Waters

Abstract

This paper emphasizes low temperature geothermal wells from Romania and Iceland. The main aim when operating a production well is to have continuous operation. Corrosion and scaling on the equipments surfaces is one of the biggest problems during geothermal water utilization.

Results of corrosion tests conducted on a selection of four metallic coupons that have been placed in the water circuit at Felix, Romania are described. Corrosion tests were conducted using aluminium, carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron coupons involving different exposure periods to fluids. Scale deposition caused by corrosion and mineral precipitation from the water was chemical and XRD analysed.

A geothermal production well from Sudureyri, Iceland, which encountered almost similar type of deposits, was taken for testing of chemical inhibitors to combat scale. The test method developed for and used in this study provides a mechanism of deposit control by additives.