Developments in geothermal energy in Mexico—part twenty-five: Operating experience with a geothermal wellhead turbine

Abstract

After several months of operation of a wellhead 5 MW geothermal turbine, an incident occurred due to the failure of the governor oil pipe joint. The oil tank drained out causing damage to the turbine bearings. Heavy scaling of the first blading stage of the turbine was observed, particularly in the nozzles. Recommendations for the design and remote control operation of the wellhead unit are discussed with reference to the faults found in this case.