| Title | Vertical Discharge Diffuser for Geothermal Production Wells |
|---|---|
| Authors | Martin Jude V. Lacambra, Virgilio G. Lapuz, Jr., Reinero S. Medrano, Jaime F. Peralta, Leonita P. Sabando |
| Year | 2008 |
| Conference | Asian Geothermal Symposium |
| Keywords | EDC, Vertical Discharge Diffuser, brine spray, defoliation |
| Abstract | Energy Development Corporation (EDC), a known leader in wet steam technology with its hundreds of production wells, operates five geothermal steamfields and most geothermal power plants in the Philippines with a combined capacity of 1,100 MWe. Production wells in these projects traditionally go through a series of standard testing of 30 minutes vertical discharge followed by horizontal discharge. Environmental observation and experience around some wells showed that vertical discharge causes defoliation of surrounding plants and trees. EDC’s mandate on social responsibility and compliance with environmental regulations has led to the conceptualization, innovation and development of a Vertical Discharge Diffuser (VDD) by the company’s Technical Services Sector. The Vertical Discharge Diffuser is intended for the Northern Negros Geothermal Project (NNGP) whose expansion and sustenance of its geothermal field operation is dependent on the success of environmental safeguards undertaken during production well testing. The project area is surrounded by a dense forest cover that needs to be protected during vertical discharge. It is located in the western flank of Kanlaon Volcano in the island province of Negros Occidental, approximately 535 km SSE of Manila. This paper discusses the method for controlling, if not totally eliminating, brine spray during initial discharges of newly drilled or worked-over geothermal production wells. The Vertical Discharge Diffuser is an innovative and modified catchment extension facility of a production well’s vertical discharge procedure purposely done to contain the discharge fluid. Here, a 30” Ø pipe is inserted to the 10” production well spools. From the 30” Ø pipe, two-phase fluid is conveyed to the silencers for separation into brine and steam. The brine is contained, collected and conveyed to a nearby holding pond, while the steam is dispersed into the atmosphere. This paper discusses the method for controlling, if not totally eliminating, brine spray during initial discharges of newly drilled or worked-over geothermal production wells. The Vertical Discharge Diffuser is an innovative and modified catchment extension facility of a production well’s vertical discharge procedure purposely done to contain the discharge fluid. Here, a 30” Ø pipe is inserted to the 10” production well spools. From the 30” Ø pipe, two-phase fluid is conveyed to the silencers for separation into brine and steam. The brine is contained, collected and conveyed to a nearby holding pond, while the steam is dispersed into the atmosphere. |