Method for the production of useable steam and non-toxic solids from geothermal brine
US4763479A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 29, 1986 |
| Grant date | Aug 16, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 29, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/10
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method is provided for producing power from geothermal brine comprising dissolved toxic elements without significant precipitation of toxic solids. When sludge produced by the process is washed, non-toxic solids are produced which can be disposed or utilized in an environmentally acceptable manner. The method includes removing geothermal brine, separating non-condensable gases therefrom, and handling the non-condensable gases separate from the processing of the non-condensable gas-free brine to prevent reaction therebetween. An air-free flashed brine handling system is established to prevent contact of air with the flashed brine, and all brine contacted with air including condensate from steam turbines producing electrical power is injected into the aquifer from which the geothermal brine was extracted through the use of separate injection wells. Total isolation of non-aerated brine and aerated brine, removal of non-condensable gases, and washing of sludge produced results in a non-toxic sludge in accordance with governmentally accepted standards.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.