| Title | Processing of Geothermal Brine Effluents for Injection |
|---|---|
| Authors | Quong, R.; Schoepflin, F.; Stout, N. D.; Tardiff, G. E.; McLain, F. R. |
| Year | 1978 |
| Conference | Geothermal Resources Council Transactions |
| Keywords | Power Generation; Brine Technology; USA; California; Imperial; Economics; Coagulants; Clarifier; Suspended Solids; Filtration |
| Abstract | The handling of brine effluents for injection is a critical part of any geothermal conversion process. Brine effluents from the San Diego Gas & Electric/Department of Energy - Geothermal Loop Experimental Facility were characterized for particulate concentration and chemical composition. Bench scale tests were conducted with inorganic and organic coagulants as a means of enhancing the sedimentation process for separation an removal of suspended solids, principally amorphous silica. The effects of temperature, retention time, and pH on the precipitation of supersaturated silica , subsequent flock settling properties, and supernatant clarity were determined. A pilot sized clarifier with mixed media sand and precoat pressure filtration have been successfully tested as a means of producing injectable brine effluents. Preliminary cost estimates range in the vicinity of 20 cents per 1000 gallons. |