When brine temperature, composition or chemistry change, these minerals precipitate out and form disruptive scales on any exposed surfaces, including casings, tubing or process equipment.
In the short term, these mineral scales can reduce flow rates or introduce turbulence, cause localised corrosion-erosion zones and lead to the formation of corrosive micro-environments where acidic or oxidising fluids are trapped against components – leading to localised pitting and corrosion.
The unchecked formation of mineral scales is one of the primary factors affecting the operational efficiency of geothermal energy projects, and the complex chemistry of geothermal brines complicates management.
For example, wells situated in sedimentary basins have a different brine composition to wells drilled into volcanic rocks, but even within the confines of a single site, minor variations in geology can have a dramatic impact on the mineral content of a brine, to the point where it’s not unusual for neighboring wells to require a completely different management regime.
Traditional (oilfield) scaling solutions are not viable in high pressure, high temperature environments where high concentrations of salts, acid gasses and dissolved minerals are present. To maintain optimal flow rates and protect equipment, bespoke solutions for geothermal applications are required.
Drawing on over 40 years of institutional experience, our market-leading R&D department have developed GEOHIB-CI, a film-forming corrosion inhibitor that can be modified to suit individual brine chemistries.
It is highly compatible with most process fluids and chemicals, does not sour reservoirs and can be injected easily.
In conjunction with an expansive monitoring regime and hands-on management from our geothermal engineering team, GEOHIB-CI enables you to maximise operational efficiency, and protect your well without putting unnecessary pressure on your maintenance budgets. As with all Roemex solutions, our focus is on deploying effective remediation that protects the long-term health of your geothermal project.