Research directions in solids deposition in geothermal systems

Abstract

The closing session of the International Workshop on the Deposition of Solids in Geothermal Systems consisted of the formation of special interest working groups to discuss future research directions in the fields of carbonate deposition, silica scale, sulfide deposition, treatment methodologies, heat exchanger engineering, and water/rock reactions. Recommendations made by the working groups for future research included the following: development of more complete and accurate models of the physical and chemical mechanisms associated with the nucleation, adhesion, and growth of scale minerals onto substrate surfaces; investigation and synthesis of more efficient and cost effective chemical scale inhibitors; improvements in heat exchanger materials, design, and operational characteristics; and development of more general economic models for heat extraction facilities that will allow an evaluation of the costs and benefits of various scale-control strategies.