GPS-Geothermal process simulator
Description
The GPS is utilized to investigate the ongoing issue of mineral scaling in geothermal power plants, particularly the formation of amorphous silica along the flow path in production pipes, wells, and the subsurface reservoir. It aids in examining the impact of acid injection into geothermal brine, the interactions with surrounding rock minerals, and the rapid silica precipitation that can lead to rock fouling near re-injection wells, potentially increasing operational costs due to the need for new wells. The GPS conducts experimental studies on supercritical fluid-rock interactions in hydrothermal systems, focusing on experiments at high temperatures (up to 400°C or 600°C as option) and pressures (up to 500 bar). It is a lab-scale flow system specifically designed to inject brine through a sand-filled reactor at controlled pressure and flow rates.
Features
Max working pressure: Up to 500 bar (7500 psi)
Max working temperature: Ambient for tubing, valve and separators
400°C for plain Titanium reactors
600°C for Alloy 230 reactors (option)
Reactor volume: 20 ml
Material: Titanium
Electrical: 220 VAC 50/60 Hz, 1 ph,
Benefits
* Allows the flow of aqueous fluids through rock or mineral samples, simulating hydrothermal environments.
* Monitors changes in composition and properties while also replicating various reservoir and power plant conditions to study and mitigate mineral scaling and metal corrosion