Abstract
The application of inhibitors is an appropriate approach to avoid radionuclide-bearing precipitations within geothermal infrastructures. To select a suitable inhibitor, it is crucial to obtain detailed data sets provided by the fluid monitoring system. The present study offers data on the radiochemical monitoring system installed at the Bruchsal geothermal power plant in Germany. The monitoring program focuses on analyzing naturally occurring Th–U series radionuclides in both the NaCl brine and the mineral scalings precipitating in various plant components. By regular monitoring of the local dose rate all over the surface installation, the plant operator additionally meets its obligation concerning employee safety. The results of the fluid study show a preferred solubility of Ra, Rn and Pb isotopes. Mineralogical and radiochemical investigations reveal barite/celestine solid solutions as typical scale-forming minerals enriched in long-lived Ra isotopes (226Ra, 228Ra) and partly 228Th. Beside sulfate-rich scalings, mixed sulfides, mainly made of Fe, Pb, Sb and As, comprise a significant part of scales containing radioactive 210Pb. Applying 228Ra/226Ra and 228Th/228Ra dating methods expose that the age of these scalings varies between 2.6 and 7.7 years. This range in age reflects the periodic sulfate deposition marked by strong discontinuities in consequence of different operating phases of the geothermal plant.
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