Process for stabilizing silica-rich geothermal brine to prevent silica scaling
A process for stabilizing silica-rich geothermal brine to prevent silica scaling comprises selectively providing a supply of ferric ions, allowing the silica-rich brine to combine with the ferric ions to form insoluble, iron-rich siliceous material and separating the insoluble siliceous material from the brine to form a brine having a silica content which is reduced below the saturation level required for substantially scale-free handling of the brine. In one embodiment of the process in which the brine contains sufficient dissolved ferrous ions, the process comprises selectively contacting the brine with an oxidizing agent, preferably by aerating the brine, to oxidize a selected portion of the ferrous ions to ferric ions, which then combine with silica to form the insoluble iron-rich siliceous material. The ferric ion content of an iron-deficient brine may be augmented by adding ferric and/or ferrous ions to the brine. Steam released by flashing the untreated brine may be used to heat the stabilized brine beford disposal thereof, so as to increase the silica solubility and reduce the amount of silica required to be removed to prevent scaling.
- Assignee:
- Union Oil Company of California
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4405463
- OSTI ID:
- 5458828
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
150903* -- Geothermal Engineering-- Corrosion
Scaling & Materials Development
BRINES
CHALCOGENIDES
CONTROL
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GEOTHERMAL FLUIDS
IRON
METALS
MINERALS
OXIDE MINERALS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SCALE CONTROL
SCALING
SILICA
SILICON COMPOUNDS
SILICON OXIDES
STABILIZATION
TRANSITION ELEMENTS