Operational and field test results from the 500 kw direct contact pilot plant at East Mesa
A 500 kw geothermal powerplant utilizing direct contact heat exchange (DCHX) between geothermal brine and an isobutane (IC/sub 4/) working fluid is currently operating at the East Mesa test facility. The pilot plant program was initiated to determine the feasibility of large-scale direct contact heat exchange and associated plant operations. In addition to verifying the design performance of the DCHX itself, test efforts to date have (1) quantified the effect of dissolved gases (primarily CO/sub 2/) transferred from the brine to the IC/sub 4/ loop on the pressure elevation in the unvented power condenser and demonstrated a viable scheme to control this pressure elevation, (2) evaluated the potential of flash extraction and recovery of dissolved IC/sub 4/ from the spent brine, and (3) demonstrated control of fouling in critical components by pretreating the brine with small amounts of a chemical additive (FLOCON 247, Pfizer, Inc.).
- Research Organization:
- Barber-Nichols Engineering Co., Arvada, CO
- OSTI ID:
- 6740473
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-811015-
- Journal Information:
- Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States), Journal Name: Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States) Vol. 5; ISSN TGRCD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
150802* -- Geothermal Power Plants-- Power Plant Systems & Components
2-METHYLPROPANE
ALKANES
BRINES
DIAGRAMS
DIRECT CONTACT HEAT EXCHANGERS
EAST MESA GEOTHERMAL FIELD
ENERGY TRANSFER
FIELD TESTS
FLOWSHEETS
FOULING
GEOTHERMAL FIELDS
GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANTS
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HEAT TRANSFER
HYDROCARBONS
OPERATION
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POWER PLANTS
POWER RANGE 100-1000 KW
RECOVERY
TESTING
THERMAL POWER PLANTS