Use of a process fluid with an environmentally compatible biostabilizer in a geothermal borehole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biocides used in geothermal drilling processes are environmentally harmful, costly, and inefficient against thermophilic microorganisms, particularly in deep geothermal applications, where high temperatures and salt concentrations further complicate their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A process fluid comprising environmentally compatible biostabilizers such as organic acids like hop acids, resin acids, and their derivatives is used, which are effective against mesophilic and thermophilic microorganisms, and can be easily and economically produced for industrial-scale use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional biocides are used in geothermal drilling processes, then microorganism control is achieved, but environmental harm and high cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of biocides by specifying pH ranges (2-4 for organic acids, 10-12 for inorganic biocides) and concentration levels (5-50 ppm organic acids, 0.1-5 ppm inorganic biocides), creating a tailored chemical environment that controls microorganisms while reducing environmental harm through controlled application parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite biocide formulations combining multiple active ingredients (organic acids like acetic, propionic, and butyric acid; inorganic biocides like chlorine dioxide and ozone; and chelating agents like EDTA) to achieve synergistic effects that improve microorganism control while allowing lower individual concentrations, thereby reducing environmental impact
2Reliability
If conventional biocides are used in geothermal drilling processes, then microorganism control is achieved, but high cost occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available biocide agents such as common organic acids (acetic, propionic, butyric acid) and standard inorganic biocides (chlorine dioxide, ozone) that can be easily manufactured or sourced at low cost, replacing expensive specialized biocides while maintaining effectiveness through optimized application protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reduces cost by optimizing application parameters including pH adjustment (using inexpensive acids or bases), temperature control (utilizing existing geothermal temperatures), and concentration management (maintaining effective but minimal biocide levels), thereby reducing material and operational expenses
3Reliability
If conventional biocides are used in deep geothermal applications, then microorganism control is attempted, but effectiveness against thermophilic microorganisms is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses thermophilic microorganism resistance by adjusting temperature parameters (applying biocides at elevated geothermal temperatures), pH parameters (using pH-stable biocides effective across a range), and concentration parameters (increasing biocide levels to overcome thermal degradation), thereby maintaining effectiveness in high-temperature environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite biocide systems combining heat-stable inorganic biocides (chlorine dioxide, ozone) with organic acids and chelating agents that work synergistically at high temperatures, where the inorganic components provide thermal stability and the organic components enhance broad-spectrum activity against thermophilic organisms
4Reliability
If conventional biocides are used in high salt concentration conditions, then microorganism control is attempted, but effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overcomes salt concentration interference by adjusting pH parameters (optimizing biocide activity at specific pH levels despite ionic strength), temperature parameters (utilizing geothermal temperatures to enhance biocide kinetics), and concentration parameters (increasing biocide dosages to compensate for salt-induced degradation), thereby maintaining effectiveness in brine environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite biocide formulations including chelating agents (EDTA, citric acid) that bind calcium and magnesium ions in high-salt brines, preventing biocide deactivation, combined with heat-stable inorganic biocides and organic acids that maintain activity in high ionic strength conditions through synergistic interactions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The biostabilizer effectively inhibits the growth and metabolism of undesirable microorganisms like Halolactibacillus and Halanaerobium, even at high temperatures and in high salt conditions, reducing corrosion and biofouling, while being safe for the environment and human health.
Implementation Method 1
a process fluid which includes a biostabilisater comprised of at least one organic acid or a salt, alcohol or aldehyde thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the use of a process fluid with an environmentally compatible biostabilizer in a geothermal borehole. The biostabilizer is characterized in that it comprises at least one organic acid, or a salt, alcohol or aldehyde thereof, wherein the at least one organic acid is selected from the group consisting of hop acids, resin acids, fatty acids and mixtures thereof. The biostabilizer is preferably a mixture of hop extract, rosin and myristic acid. The invention further relates to related process fluids and methods for producing the same.