Small biphase wellhead plant for the Cerro Prieto Mexico geothermal field

Conference · Tue Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:494409

Oropeza, A; Hays, L

In a system of geothermal wells in a geothermal field, there are different production conditions of the flows, temperatures and pressures. At plants where the installed capacity requires the use of many wells, it is necessary to regulate the well`s pressure to ensure a stable condition for the turbines. Reducing the steam pressure on the wellhead is achieved by using an orifice plate (flash orifice). Use of an orifice plate results in a waste or loss of well pressure that could be utilized for production of electricity. The Cerro Prieto field, operated by the Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE), has many wells operating at a very high pressure and producing a lot of water. Much of this pressure and water is not utilized in the production of electricity. With the purpose of taking advantage of this pressure CFE has evaluated a proposal by Biphase Energy Co. Biphase has designed and patented a turbine that works directly with the steam and water mixture coming from the wellhead, acting as a separator. Biphase has developed a model of its turbine and successfully operated it in Coso Hot Springs California. Knowing this CFE has signed an agreement with Biphase Energy Company to install and operate a biphasic turbine at the Cerro Prieto geothermal field located near Mexicali, Mexico.

• OSTI ID: 494409
• Report Number(s): CONF-960913--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
CAPACITY
CERRO PRIETO GEOTHERMAL FIELD
GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES
GEOTHERMAL WELLS
MEXICO
PRODUCTION
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TURBINES