Characterization and geochemical constraints on formation conditions in a low-temperature geothermal field [articol]

Abstract

A low temperature geothermal field is located in the north western part of the country. Scaling encountered in exploitation equipments yield to a decrease in the production efficiency, being a major problem at geothermal water utilization. The objectives of this work are to chemically characterize scales formed as a result of mixing of waters from different aquifers, to define the geochemical constraints and the formation mechanisms of the scales and to model those with the aid of geochemical speciation and reaction path programs. Scales, formed in surface pipelines have been characterized by chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction and thermo-differential analysis. With the aid of computer program for geochemical aqueous speciation, the geochemical constraints of the formation of scales were modeled. The experimental results obtained by analysing on scales were compared to those obtained by the use of simulation program. In order to minimize scaling, tests in static conditions have been conducted.