Geothermal Water (geothermal + water)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


A Study on the Formation of Smectite in Silica Scales Precipitated from Geothermal Water: The Effect of Magnesium

RESOURCE GEOLOGY, Issue 3 2005
Yoshinobu Aramaki
Abstract. Silica scales containing large amounts of smectite were recently found in the pipelines for geothermal water at a geothermal power plant. To elucidate the mechanism of smectite formation, seven silica scale samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, chemical analysis and 27A1 MAS NMR. Smectite was present in samples with MgO levels above 10 wt% and Al2O3 levels below 10 wt%. In 27A1 MAS NMR spectra, peaks assigned to both tetrahedrally and octahedrally coordinated aluminum (Al(4) and Al(6)) were observed for Mg-rich samples, whereas a peak due to Al(4) alone appeared in Mg-poor samples. From these observation and comparison between 27A1 MAS NMR spectra for synthesized precipitates of Al2O3 -SiO2 containing MgO and not containing MgO, it is concluded that magnesium plays an important role in the stabilization of Al(6), and results in the formation of smectite [source]


Environmental isotopic and hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater systems in Daying and Qicun geothermal fields, Xinzhou Basin, Shanxi, China

HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 22 2010
Dongmei Han
Abstract The conceptual hydrogeological model of the low to medium temperature Daying and Qicun geothermal fields has been proposed, based on hydrochemical characteristics and isotopic compositions. The two geothermal fields are located in the Xinzhou basin of Shanxi, China and exhibit similarities in their broad-scale flow patterns. Geothermal water is derived from the regional groundwater flow system of the basin and is characterized by Cl·SO4 -Na type. Thermal water is hydrochemically distinct from cold groundwater having higher total dissolved solids (TDS) (>0·8 g/l) and Sr contents, but relatively low Ca, Mg and HCO3 contents. Most shallow groundwater belongs to local flow systems which are subject to evaporation and mixing with irrigation returns. The groundwater residence times estimated by tritium and 14C activities indicate that deep non-thermal groundwater (130,160 m) in the Daying region range from modern (post-1950s) in the piedmont area to more than 9·4 ka BP (Before Present) in the downriver area and imply that this water belong to an intermediate flow system. Thermal water in the two geothermal fields contains no detectable active 14C, indicating long residence times (>50 ka), consistent with this water being part of a large regional flow system. The mean recharge elevation estimated by using the obtained relationship Altitude (m) = , 23·8 × ,2H (, ) , 121·3, is 1980 and 1880 m for the Daying and Qicun geothermal fields, respectively. The annual infiltration rates in the Daying and Qicun geothermal fields can be estimated to be 9029 × 103 and 4107 × 103 m3/a, respectively. The variable 86Sr/87Sr values in the thermal and non-thermal groundwater in the two fields reflect different lithologies encountered along the flow path(s) and possibly different extents of water-rock interaction. Based on the analysis of groundwater flow systems in the two geothermal fields, hydrogeochemical inverse modelling was performed to indicate the possible water-rock interaction processes that occur under different scenarios. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Modeling of a Deep-Seated Geothermal System Near Tianjin, China

GROUND WATER, Issue 3 2001
Zhou Xun
A geothermal field is located in deep-seated basement aquifers in the northeastern part of the North China Plain near Tianjin, China. Carbonate rocks of Ordovician and Middle and Upper Proterozoic age on the Cangxian Uplift are capable of yielding 960 to 4200 m3/d of 57°C to 96°C water to wells from a depth of more than 1000 m. A three-dimensional nonisothermal numerical model was used to simulate and predict the spatial and temporal evolution of pressure and temperature in the geothermal system. The density of the geothermal water, which appears in the governing equations, can be expressed as a linear function of pressure, temperature, and total dissolved solids. A term describing the exchange of heat between water and rock is incorporated in the governing heat transport equation. Conductive heat flow from surrounding formations can be considered among the boundary conditions. Recent data of geothermal water production from the system were used for a first calibration of the numerical model. The calibrated model was used to predict the future changes in pressure and temperature of the geothermal water caused by two pumping schemes. The modeling results indicate that both pressure and temperature have a tendency to decrease with time and pumping. The current withdrawal rates and a pumping period of five months followed by a shut-off period of seven months are helpful in minimizing the degradation of the geothermal resource potential in the area. [source]


A Study on the Formation of Smectite in Silica Scales Precipitated from Geothermal Water: The Effect of Magnesium

RESOURCE GEOLOGY, Issue 3 2005
Yoshinobu Aramaki
Abstract. Silica scales containing large amounts of smectite were recently found in the pipelines for geothermal water at a geothermal power plant. To elucidate the mechanism of smectite formation, seven silica scale samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, chemical analysis and 27A1 MAS NMR. Smectite was present in samples with MgO levels above 10 wt% and Al2O3 levels below 10 wt%. In 27A1 MAS NMR spectra, peaks assigned to both tetrahedrally and octahedrally coordinated aluminum (Al(4) and Al(6)) were observed for Mg-rich samples, whereas a peak due to Al(4) alone appeared in Mg-poor samples. From these observation and comparison between 27A1 MAS NMR spectra for synthesized precipitates of Al2O3 -SiO2 containing MgO and not containing MgO, it is concluded that magnesium plays an important role in the stabilization of Al(6), and results in the formation of smectite [source]