Iron silicate scale formation and inhibition at the Salton Sea geothermal field

Journal Article · Sat Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1988 · Geothermics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0375-6505(89)90015-1· OSTI ID:5386014

Gallup, D L ^[1]

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1. Unocal Corp., Unocal Science and Technology Div., PO Box 76, Brea, CA (US)

Iron silicate is the most prevalent scale deposited from Salton Sea geothermal brine during processing to recover its heat content. The scale has been characterized by elemental analysis and by infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, Mossbauer and electron diffraction spectroscopy. Analysis of the scale characterization data assists in assigning a chemical structure and supports a proposed formation mechanism. Based on this mechanism, iron silicate scale deposition is shown to be inhibited by the addition of acid to the brine, forming the basis of Unocal's patented scale control technology.

• OSTI ID: 5386014
• Journal Information: Geothermics; (USA), Journal Name: Geothermics; (USA) Vol. 18:1; ISSN GTMCA; ISSN 0375-6505
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150302 -- Geothermal Exploration & Exploration Technology-- Geochemical Techniques & Surveys
150903* -- Geothermal Engineering-- Corrosion
Scaling & Materials Development
ACIDIFICATION
BRINES
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CONTROL
GEOTHERMAL FIELDS
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
IRON COMPOUNDS
IRON SILICATES
MEASURING METHODS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SALTON SEA GEOTHERMAL FIELD
SCALE CONTROL
SCALING
SILICATES
SILICON COMPOUNDS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS