Silica scaling
A problem and an opportunity
The Problem of Silica Scaling
At most geothermal power stations, silica scaling of pipes and reinjection wells is a costly problem; reinjection-well life is very substantially reduced and ultimately, power generation is reduced.
Geo40’s unique patented technology can substantially reduce or eliminate silica scaling. A 2021 study by GNS Science has confirmed the success of the Geo40 Northern Plant in largely eliminating silica scaling in reinjection wells at the Ohaaki Geothermal Power Station.
Operational savings can be as high as 25%, and independent work undertaken in Japan with the support of GERD and NEDO has suggested that Geo40’s technology can increase reinjection well life from 5 years to 25 years.
Many significant geothermal operators have invested in the search for a sustainable solution to silica scaling. None has succeeded yet.
Geo40 has the answer.
The Opportunity
Operational savings for geothermal operators are just the beginning. Geo40 works with each operator to determine the desired reinjection temperature, then recovers sufficient silica to prevent damaging silica scaling.
This creates the opportunity to utilise more heat prior to reinjection, for additional generation via an organic Rankine Cycle Plant (Binary Plant), or for use in industrial processes such as milk driers or timber processing, or for district heating.
Application of Geo40’s silica recovery technology can typically enable 10% extra geothermal power production.
Natural Nanotechnology
Colloidal silica is a valuable nano-particle. Our plants can make customised silicas where we can control particle size, size distribution, choice of stabilising ion and other variables.
We currently supply over a dozen markets.
At less than 200kg of CO2 per tonne of 30wt% colloidal silica produced, the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint of our colliodal silica is among the lowest on the planet.
Sustainable geothermal
Baseload geothermal power production has an important role to play in the energy mix. However, geothermal generators are facing scrutiny around natural COâ‚‚ emissions, and many are now paying emissions levies or carbon taxes.
Geo40’s silica-recovery technology enables CO₂ sequestration.
In the right geological strata, sequestering CO₂ successfully relies on two key conditions: substantially reduced silica levels in reinjection fluids and low reinjection temperatures. Geo40’s silica-recovery technology provides both.
Geo40 will partner with leading experts to facilitate COâ‚‚ sequestration.
