Geothermal Power Plant Significantly Improves Reinjection Capacity

GoalImprove reinjection well flow rates.

<h6>Customer Challenge</h6> <p>A flash steam geothermal power generating plant located in New&nbsp;Zealand was unable to maintain the reinjection capacity of its brine&nbsp;due to silica deposition reducing the permeability of its reinjection&nbsp;wells. Ultimately the silica deposition resulted in a loss of generation&nbsp;capacity and increased operational costs for the plant.</p> <h6>Recommended Solution</h6> <p>To help improve reinjection flow rates, Solenis recommended that the&nbsp;plant trial a novel well cleaning program developed by Solenis&rsquo; R&amp;D&nbsp;team that employs a relatively low-risk chemistry and a unique&nbsp;application methodology to effectively address silica deposition in&nbsp;geothermal conditions. Key features of the cleaning program include&nbsp;its ability to be monitored and controlled online and its lower cost in&nbsp;use compared to traditional chemical and mechanical treatments.</p> <h6>Results Achieved</h6> <p>The first well chosen for the trial when first drilled operated at flow rates of 200 m3/hr at a capped pressure of 6.5 bar. However, over time, flow rates were reduced to 40 m3/hr due to the loss of well permeability. Upon implementing the GeoSol well cleaning program, flow rates increased to over 200 m3/hr and eventually stabilized around 140 m3/hr at 4.2 bar, which represents a 350% increase in flow. In addition to improving reinjection capacity, the program enabled the plant to improve its generation capacity and reduce its costs.</p> <p><img style="max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto;" src="/link/7d1a256b92ac4dd990fcc2fd8ef643f6.aspx" alt="" width="1600" height="565" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Flow and Pressure Graph of the Reinjection Well<br />Pre and Post GeoSol Well Cleaning Program</strong></p>