초록 ▼

A method for utilizing acidic geothermal fluid (e.g., fluid having a pH of less than about 3.5) containing non-condensable gases in a geothermal power plant includes separating the geothermal fluid into steam and brine, applying the steam to a device from which power and steam condensate is produced

A method for utilizing acidic geothermal fluid (e.g., fluid having a pH of less than about 3.5) containing non-condensable gases in a geothermal power plant includes separating the geothermal fluid into steam and brine, applying the steam to a device from which power and steam condensate is produced. Such device can be a back-pressure steam turbine whose exhaust can be cooled by organic fluid to produce organic vapor that is expanded in an organic vapor turbine. Alternatively, the steam can be applied to the steam-side of an indirect contact heat exchanger containing a liquid organic working fluid for producing steam condensate and vaporized working fluid. In such case, the steam condensate produced by the heat exchanger is less acidic than the brine. The vaporized working fluid is expanded in an organic vapor turbine for producing electricity and expanded working fluid, and the expanded working fluid is condensed for producing condensed organic fluid which is preheated and supplied to the heat exchanger. Preheating of the condensed organic fluid is achieved using heat contained in both the steam condensate and brine which are cooled thereby. The dilution of the brine by the steam condensate causes the concentration of acids, e.g., hydrochloric acid, and salts in the brine, to return to less than their original values in the geothermal brine.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for utilizing acidic geothermal fluid containing non-condensable gases, in a geothermal power plant, said method comprising:a) using a separator for separating the geothermal fluid into steam and brine;b) applying said steam from said separator directly to the steam-side o

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for utilizing acidic geothermal fluid containing non-condensable gases, in a geothermal power plant, said method comprising:a) using a separator for separating the geothermal fluid into steam and brine;b) applying said steam from said separator directly to the steam-side of an indirect contact heat exchanger containing a liquid organic working fluid for producing steam condensate that is less acidic than said brine, and non-condensable gases, and for producing vaporized working fluid;c) extracting said non-condensable gases from the steam-side of said heat exchanger;d) expanding said vaporized working fluid in an organic vapor turbine for producing electricity and expanded working fluid;e) condensing said expanded working fluid in a condenser for producing condensed organic fluid;f) combining said brine directly from said separator with said steam condensate from said indirect contact heat exchanger to form a combined stream;g) preheating said conensed organic fluid in a preheater using heat contained in said combined stream; andh) supplying the preheated condensed working fluid to said heat exchanger.