Monitoring the formation of geothermal deposits by pressure differences using a pilot system in a model field: Case study for the Karyek geothermal power plant, Western Türkiye

Y. Tuğçe Yüksel¹, Tayfun Evcil¹, Sinem Turan¹, Abdurrahman Ünal¹, Alper Baba², Mustafa M. Demir³

1. R&D Center, Neuchemie a Solenis Company, Tuzla, 34957, İstanbul, Türkiye.
2. Department of International Water Resources, İzmir Institute of Technology, Urla 35430, Türkiye.
3. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, İzmir Institute of Technology, Urla 35430, Türkiye

Abstract: The assessment of potential commercial antiscalants is one of the most important issues for geothermal power plants. With a variety of alternative products available and companies making strong claims, it is difficult for power plant engineers to select the best antiscalant for their system to reduce the unwanted formation of deposits. Products need to be tested in the plant, but this can have a negative impact on the plant’s process. It is advisable to develop a testing approach using the original brine from the field instead of testing the potential products in the power plant. In this study, we propose an in vitro study to monitor the formation of geothermal deposits using a device we have developed. The pressure difference gives a reliable indication of the formation of the deposits. As a model for a geothermal field, this device is connected to a system already in operation on the west coast of Türkiye, the Karyek geothermal power plant. The results indicate that tracking the pressure difference between two parallel lines of the power plant at different times provides indications of the formation of deposits in a power plant. Furthermore, this design allows the selection of the best antiscalant among many other commercial alternatives.

Key Words: Scaling, geothermal energy, geothermal power plant, energy efficiency

Pages: 77 – 91 | Full PDF Paper