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U.S. Department of Energy
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Using Salton Sea geothermal brines for electrical power: a review of progress in chemistry and materials technology, 1976 status

Conference ·
OSTI ID:7302949

Geothermal energy development research at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory through 1976 has been aimed at solving the problems associated with the use of high-temperature, high-salinity brines found in the Salton Sea Geothermal Field for their practical conversion to electrical energy. Specifically, part of the program has been oriented toward solving the problems of scale and solids deposition and corrosion of system components that are exposed to the highly mineralized brines. Brine acidification was found to be a promising method for controlling scale and solids deposition. Titanium, zirconium, and chromium-molybdenum alloys were shown to be the best economical corrosion-resistant materials for use in various parts of a total-flow turbine system. Scale and solids control and materials tests for conversion systems based on brine flashing are currently being evaluated. Some initial results and test plans are discussed.

Research Organization:
California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore Lab.
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
7302949
Report Number(s):
UCRL-79468; CONF-770804-8
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English