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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

High performance turbocompressor for non-condensable gas removal at geothermal power plants

Conference ·
OSTI ID:20002767
Initial field tests have been completed for a Non-Condensable Gas (NCG) turbocompressor for geothermal power plants. It provides alternate technology to steam-jet ejectors and liquid-ring vacuum pumps that are currently used for NCG removal. It incorporates a number of innovative design features to enhance reliability, reduce steam consumption and reduce O and M costs. During initial field tests, the turbocompressor has been on-line for more than 8,000 hours as a third stage compressor at The Geysers Unit 11 Power Plant. Test data indicates its overall efficiency is about 25% higher than a liquid-ring vacuum pump, and 250% higher than a steam-jet ejector when operating with inlet pressures of 12.2 in-Hg and flow rates over 20,000 lbm/hr.
Research Organization:
Barber-Nichols Inc., Arvada, CO (US)
DOE Contract Number:
FG07-95ID13391
OSTI ID:
20002767
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English