Method for utilizing acidic geothermal fluid for generating power in a rankine cycle power plant
US5816048A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 13, 1995 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 13, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/10
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
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 …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.