Static Mixer Assembly for pH Modification in Geothermal Plants
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional geothermal power plants face challenges in handling and diluting concentrated acid due to the corrosive nature of hot, dilute acid, which requires expensive and unreliable Teflon-lined or Tantalum-lined pipes, and existing mixers cannot handle concentrated acid injection directly, leading to limitations in scale deposition inhibition.
Innovation Solution
A static mixer assembly with a coaxial configuration of tubes and baffles, where concentrated acid is pre-mixed with a portion of brine in a Tantalum pre-mixer integrated within a high-nickel alloy main mixer, eliminating the need for Tantalum-lined piping and achieving final acid concentrations below 0.01% by weight, reducing scale buildup in power plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If concentrated acid is injected directly into geothermal brine using conventional mixers, then pH modification can be achieved, but the corrosive hot dilute acid requires expensive and unreliable Teflon-lined or Tantalum-lined pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested tube configuration where an inner tube carrying concentrated acid is positioned within an outer tube carrying geothermal brine. This nested structure allows direct mixing of acid and brine without requiring separate lined piping systems, as the mixing occurs within the protected geometry of the nested tubes themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the acid injection system and brine mixing system into a single integrated static mixer assembly. The concentrated acid and geothermal brine are combined directly within the mixer body through controlled flow paths and mixing elements, eliminating the need for separate lined piping components that would otherwise be required to handle corrosive dilute acid.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mixers are used for acid dilution, then mixing can occur, but they cannot handle concentrated acid injection directly
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing process is segmented into distinct zones within the static mixer assembly. The inner tube provides a dedicated channel for concentrated acid injection, while the outer tube carries brine. Mixing elements are strategically positioned to create progressive mixing zones, allowing the system to handle concentrated acid directly through structured segmentation of the flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mixing elements (such as static mixing vanes or baffles) as intermediary structures that facilitate the direct mixing of concentrated acid and brine. These intermediary elements enable the mixer to handle concentrated acid injection by providing controlled interaction surfaces that promote rapid and uniform mixing without requiring complex mechanical components.
3Manufacturing precision
If acid concentration is reduced to below 0.01% by weight, then scale deposition is inhibited, but achieving this concentration requires efficient dilution and mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The static mixer assembly provides continuous mixing action throughout the length of the device. As concentrated acid flows through the inner tube and brine flows through the outer tube, continuous interaction through mixing elements ensures progressive dilution along the entire length of the mixer, achieving the target concentration of below 0.01% acid by weight through sustained mixing rather than discrete steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical mixing systems (such as moving propellers or agitators) with a static mechanical structure consisting of fixed mixing elements within the tube assembly. This static configuration achieves precise concentration control through carefully designed flow paths and mixing surfaces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical drive systems while maintaining high productivity.
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 static mixer assembly effectively reduces scale buildup in geothermal power plants by efficiently diluting concentrated acid, minimizing the use of costly Tantalum-lined components and ensuring pH modification within the required range, while withstanding geothermal process pressures and temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The first tube is configured to complete the mixing process, to result in a final acid concentration at the outlet of the first tube less than 0.01% by weight
Implementation Method 2
the second tube includes an inlet portion that is funnel-shaped and positioned within the first tube
Data Source
AI summary
A static mixer assembly for pH-modification in geothermal power plants. The static mixer assembly includes a first tube extending along an axis, and a plurality of primary baffles extending from the first tube. The static mixer assembly further includes a second tube positioned within the first tube, and a plurality of secondary baffles extending from the second tube. An inlet tube includes a first end positioned outside the first tube and a second end positioned within the second tube.