Assessment of production characteristics of goethermal fluids and monitoring of corrosion and scaling oradea, Romania and Seltjarnarnes, Iceland

Abstract

Data from a few Romanian geothermal fields were reviewed and production characteristics of the geothermal fluids assessed. Scaling and corrosion problems in a Romanian geothermal fields were studied and compared with an Icelandic geothermal field. Emphasis was placed on the geothermal fields of Oradea and Bor . For comparison, the Icelandic geothermal field Seltjarnarnes was chosen. Severe scaling problems are not expected in Oradea, but in Bor they have been encountered. Similarily, corrosion problems have appeared in Bor due to high salinity of the thermal fluid, but inhibitors are used to prevent it. Regular chemical monitoring is suggested to be able to see, as soon as possible, chemical changes that may later lead to scaling or corrosion. Also, the installation of scaling/corrosion device at wellheads is suggested. Comparison of chemical analysis in the Seltjarnarnes field shows considerable changes with time, mainly due to infiltration of seawater in the top of the reservoir, but also due to mixing of aquifers of different temperatures. A scaling/corrosion device was installed into well SN-04 and observed for four weeks. A thermowell that been in SN-04 for several years was analysed, showing minor traces of scaling and corrosion.