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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Cavitation descaling techniques for geothermal applications

Conference ·
OSTI ID:886941
A simple and more efficient technique for descaling hard silica scales is urgently needed in order to exploit geothermal energy resources economically. With this objective in mind, DAEDALEAN ASSOCIATES, Incorporated is engaged in a research and development program utilizing the phenomenon of cavitation for cleaning and descaling under the sponsorship of ERDA, Division of Geothermal Research. The highlights of the research carried out so far under this program is reviewed in this presentation. Various effects of the phenomenon of cavitation erosion are presented. The intensity of cavitation erosion and its use in descaling applications are explained. The parameters governing the intensity of erosion are discussed. The overall objectives of the program are to demonstrate the engineering feasibility of utilizing cavitation and to generate engineering design data for its application in geothermal technology. The test facility used for this research consists of flow equipment, test chamber, and associated instrumentation. The performance of cavitating nozzles have been evaluated over a range of sizes. The intensity of erosion for one specific nozzle has been measured. The cleaning rates, the quality of cleaned surface and the intensity margin available so as not to damage the pipe wall have been determined for this specific design. Further work is under progress.
Research Organization:
Daedalean Associates, Inc., Woodbine, MD
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
886941
Report Number(s):
COO-2607-4; CONF-760844-22
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English