Q1: What materials handle organic Rankine cycle working fluids?
A1: Carbon steel suffices for most hydrocarbons like pentane. Stainless steel is required for ammonia-based systems. Material compatibility testing ensures long-term stability with each specific working fluid.
Q2: How are geothermal brine pipes protected against scaling?
A2: Chemical inhibitors like scale inhibitors are continuously injected. Some plants use mechanical cleaning systems. The optimal approach depends on brine chemistry and temperature conditions.
Q3: What are the advantages of double-pipe heat exchangers in binary plants?
A3: The compact design minimizes working fluid inventory. Leaks are contained within the annular space. These features improve both safety and efficiency in geothermal applications.
Q4: How is corrosion monitored in binary plant piping?
A4: Corrosion coupons provide long-term degradation rates. Online probes give real-time corrosion data. This combination enables proactive maintenance planning.
Q5: What are the challenges in low-temperature geothermal piping?
A5: Condensate management prevents corrosion under insulation. Large diameter pipes require careful support design. These factors are often overlooked in lower-temperature systems.
