High temperature geothermal energy system
Method and apparatus is disclosed for controlling a well providing access to an underground source of high temperature geothermal brine against flashing as the hot brine is delivered upwardly through the well to surface power apparatus for use of heat from the brine in the generation of electrical power, thereby eliminating plugging of the well by precipitated mineral deposits as well as other problems which have heretofore caused most geothermal resources of this character to be beset with operational problems. A pump down in the well pressurizes the hot output liquid that is delivered to the surface generating equipment against flashing. The pump has a novel long tailpipe which extends deep into the well. Liquid that is substantially cooler than the high temperature brine, and which may be output liquid from the power apparatus or may be provided from another cooler geothermal source is injected into the well from the surface to form a continuously downflowing column about the outside of the pump and tailpipe assembly, and the tailpipe is sufficiently long so that the weight of the column of injected liquid applies sufficient pressure against the high temperature brine proximate the lower end of the tailpipe to prevent flashing of the brine. The cooler injection liquid is mixed with the high temperature brine proximate the tailpipe to produce hot output liquid of intermediate temperature, enabling the pump to operate at a low enough temperature, and under a low enough pressure head, to come within the capability of present pump technology and to minimize the pumping power and length of the pumping string required. The invention also includes a novel concrete ditch reinjection conduit for precipitating out minerals from highly concentrated brine that may be used for generating power.
- Assignee:
- Magma Energy, Inc.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4112745
- OSTI ID:
- 6492228
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 7 Jun 1977
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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