Chapter 6

Double-Flash Steam Power Plants

6.1 Introduction 112

6.2 Gathering system design considerations 112
6.3 Energy conversion system 114
6.4 Thermodynamics of the conversion process 115
6.4.1 Temperature-entropy process diagram 115
6.4.2 Flash and separation processes 115
6.4.3 HP- and LP-turbine expansion processes 116
6.4.4 Condensing and cooling tower processes; utilization efficiency 118
6.4.5 Optimization methodology 118
6.5 Example: Double-flash optimization 119
6.6 Scale potential in waste brine 121
6.6.1 Silica chemistry 121
6.6.2 Silica scaling potential in flash plants 124
6.7 Environmental aspects for double-flash plants 125
6.8 Equipment list for double-flash plants 126
6.8.1 Wellhead, brine and steam supply system 126
6.8.2 Turbine-generator and controls 126
6.8.3 Condenser, gas ejection and pollution control (where needed) 126
6.8.4 Heat rejection system 126
6.8.5 Back-up systems 127
6.8.6 Noise abatement system (where required) 127
6.8.7 Geofluid disposal system 127
References 127
Nomenclature for figures in Chapter 6 127
Problems 128

“To the engineer, all matter in the universe can be placed into one of two categories:
(1) things that need to be fixed, and (2) things that will need to be fixed after you’ve
had a few minutes to play with them. Engineers like to solve problems. If there are no
problems handily available, they will create their own problems. Normal people don’t
understand this concept; they believe that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Engineers believe
that if it ain’t broke, it doesn’t have enough features yet.”
Scott Adams, The Dilbert Principle
2004

Geothermal Power Plants: Principles, Applications, Case Studies and Environmental Impact, Third Edition.
© 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.