Assessment of calcite and amorphous silica scaling potential from production wells in the Mutnovsky geothermal field, Kamchatka, Russia

Abstract

The Mutnovsky geothermal power plant, Kamchatka, Far East Russia was commissioned in 2002. Troublesome scaling of amorphous silica has been experienced in one well and one of the steam separators. In this report, calcite and amorphous silica scaling potential has been assessed for individual well discharges and the mixed discharge of two wells, nos. 5E and 26. Calcite scaling is not expected. Amorphous silica scaling for individual wells with liquid enthalpy is only expected at temperatures below about 150°C. The silica scaling from well 26 is thought to be due to evaporation to dryness of the small amount of water discharged from this well. This scaling can be eliminated by mixing together the discharges of wells 5E and 26.