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Materials Selection Challenges for Geothermal Energy Projects

This paper describes some of the materials and process challenges facing geothermal energy developers targeting efficiency improvements and extremes of aggressive geothermal fluid chemistries and temperatures.

 

Product Number: 51317--9258-SG
ISBN: 9258 2017 CP
Author: Keith Lichti
Publication Date: 2017
Industry: Energy Generation
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$20.00
$20.00

Selection of geothermal energy resources for development historically targeted alkali brines having low to moderate H2S concentrations. Conservative energy generation processes that minimised the risk of scaling were used and materials selection rules of thumb were developed to ensure long service lifetimes for energy equipment: avoidance of air ingress use of low strength steels for H2S service and use of suitable stainless steels for more demanding service and for corrosive steam condensates. These traditional rules are being augmented for more aggressive acidic environments encountered in some geothermal fields in Engineered Geothermal Systems and in new energy extraction processes designed to improve efficiency through utilisation of geothermal fluids to lower temperatures. Near magma and volcanic environments are challenging 21st century developers now in the same way as geothermal steam and two-phase fluids challenged the pioneers of geothermal energy in Italy and New Zealand in the middle of last century. Selection of geothermal energy resources for development historically targeted alkali brines having low to moderate H2S concentrations. Conservative energy generation processes that minimised the risk of scaling were used and materials selection rules of thumb were developed to ensure long service lifetimes for energy equipment: avoidance of air ingress use of low strength steels for H2S service and use of suitable stainless steels for more demanding service and for corrosive steam condensates. These traditional rules are being augmented for more aggressive acidic environments encountered in some geothermal fields in Engineered Geothermal Systems and in new energy extraction processes designed to improve efficiency through utilisation of geothermal fluids to lower temperatures. Near magma and volcanic environments are challenging 21st century developers now in the same way as geothermal steam and two-phase fluids challenged the pioneers of geothermal energy in Italy and New Zealand in the middle of last century.

Key words: Geothermal, Materials Selection, Production Extremes, Solids, Acids, High Temperatures, Risk Based Assessment.

Selection of geothermal energy resources for development historically targeted alkali brines having low to moderate H2S concentrations. Conservative energy generation processes that minimised the risk of scaling were used and materials selection rules of thumb were developed to ensure long service lifetimes for energy equipment: avoidance of air ingress use of low strength steels for H2S service and use of suitable stainless steels for more demanding service and for corrosive steam condensates. These traditional rules are being augmented for more aggressive acidic environments encountered in some geothermal fields in Engineered Geothermal Systems and in new energy extraction processes designed to improve efficiency through utilisation of geothermal fluids to lower temperatures. Near magma and volcanic environments are challenging 21st century developers now in the same way as geothermal steam and two-phase fluids challenged the pioneers of geothermal energy in Italy and New Zealand in the middle of last century. Selection of geothermal energy resources for development historically targeted alkali brines having low to moderate H2S concentrations. Conservative energy generation processes that minimised the risk of scaling were used and materials selection rules of thumb were developed to ensure long service lifetimes for energy equipment: avoidance of air ingress use of low strength steels for H2S service and use of suitable stainless steels for more demanding service and for corrosive steam condensates. These traditional rules are being augmented for more aggressive acidic environments encountered in some geothermal fields in Engineered Geothermal Systems and in new energy extraction processes designed to improve efficiency through utilisation of geothermal fluids to lower temperatures. Near magma and volcanic environments are challenging 21st century developers now in the same way as geothermal steam and two-phase fluids challenged the pioneers of geothermal energy in Italy and New Zealand in the middle of last century.

Key words: Geothermal, Materials Selection, Production Extremes, Solids, Acids, High Temperatures, Risk Based Assessment.

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Product Number: 51300-09377-SG
ISBN: 09377 2009 CP
Author: Markus Finke, Ralph Babler, Ali Saadat, Rolf Kirchheiner and Andreas Burkert
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