Prediction of chemical problems in the reinjection of geothermal brines

Conference · Thu Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1981 · Geol. Soc. Am., Spec. Pap.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6888947

Weres, O; Apps, J A

Amorphous silica and silicates, and the carbonates and sulfates of calcium, strontium, and barium are the solids most commonly deposited by geothermal brines. The phenomenology and kinetics of their precipitation are reviewed. Practical methods of avoiding or reducing reinjection well damage are discussed, with emphasis on the important and well-researched problem of removing colloidal amorphous silica from spent geothermal brines before reinjection. Need for further research is also discussed. It is concluded that the interaction of the reinjected brine with the reservoir rock and the brine's effect on rock properties are the areas that most need further research.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6888947
• Report Number(s): CONF-790284-
• Journal Information: Geol. Soc. Am., Spec. Pap.; (United States), Journal Name: Geol. Soc. Am., Spec. Pap.; (United States) Vol. 189; ISSN GSAPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150600* -- Geothermal Energy-- Environmental Aspects
BRINES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBONATES
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTION KINETICS
DEPOSITION
FLUIDS
GEOTHERMAL FLUIDS
KINETICS
MINERALS
OXIDE MINERALS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PLUGGING
REACTION KINETICS
REINJECTION
RESERVOIR ROCK
SILICA
SILICATES
SILICON COMPOUNDS
SILICON OXIDES
SULFATES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS