Geothermal Steam Monitoring with Dissolved Gas Flow Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geothermal power plants face challenges in continuously and automatically measuring steam characteristics, particularly silica content and chloride ion concentration, due to interference from hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide gases, leading to turbine malfunctions and reduced power generation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A steam characteristics automatic measuring device that includes an automatic non-condensable gas flowmeter, a processor for calculating dissolved gas amounts, and a data processing transmitter, along with a silica monitor and pH meter, to continuously measure and transmit data on silica content, electrical conductivity, and pH value, allowing for remote monitoring and control of geothermal power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual analysis is carried out once a month, then staff workload is reduced, but measurement timeliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis with automated optical measurement systems. The silica monitor uses spectrophotometry to automatically measure silica content, while the chloride ion concentration is measured automatically through electrical conductivity measurements, eliminating the need for manual sample collection and laboratory analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-service by automatically collecting steam samples, processing them through cooling and separation units, and conducting measurements without human intervention. The system continuously monitors and records data, automatically generating measurement reports that are transmitted to relevant personnel.
2Loss of time
If automated measurement devices are installed, then measurement timeliness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into separate functional modules: a silica monitoring unit with its own cooling and measurement apparatus, a chloride ion concentration measurement unit with electrical conductivity measurement, and a data transmission unit. Each module operates independently but contributes to the overall automated measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to perform multiple functions using integrated components. The cooling unit serves both silica measurement and chloride ion measurement needs. The electrical conductivity meter simultaneously measures conductivity and temperature, providing multiple parameters from a single device.
3Productivity
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then power generation efficiency is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring where measurement data on silica content and chloride ion concentration is continuously transmitted to control personnel. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustments to operational parameters such as steam flow rate and turbine operation to maintain optimal power generation efficiency while preventing equipment damage.
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
Enables continuous, automatic monitoring of steam characteristics, preventing turbine issues and improving power generation efficiency by adjusting operating conditions, such as steam separation and vacuum control, reducing the need for manual data collection and minimizing staff requirements at remote power plants.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid is divided into steam and hot water in the steam separator
Implementation Method 2
steam sent into a condenser is rapidly cooled to condensate, which creates a high degree of reduced pressure in the condenser
Implementation Method 3
steam sent into a condenser is rapidly cooled to condensate
Implementation Method 4
The steam introduced into the turbine rotates blades of the turbine, and the rotating power thus obtained rotates, in turn, the rotor of a generator
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a steam characteristics automatic measuring device (1) comprising: an automatic non-condensable gas flowmeter (21) for automatically and continuously measuring a flow rate of non-condensable gas separated from steam taken out from under the ground by cooling the steam, wherein the steam is divided into the non-condensable gas and a condensate by the cooling and wherein the automatic non-condensable gas flowmeter (21) has a thermometer (37) for measuring a temperature of the condensate; and a processor (29) for calculating an amount of dissolved gas in the condensate, wherein the processor (29) is configured to calculate a total flow rate of the non-condensable gas and the dissolved gas by adding the amount to the flow rate.