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Creating a Geothermal Power Plant Example in OLI Studio

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Overview

This guide demonstrates how to model a geothermal power plant using OLI Studio. It focuses on reconstructing downhole fluids, identifying scaling risks, and analyzing the impact of operational conditions on scale potential and fluid properties. Note: This example is based on OLI Studio version 12.0.0.11. Screens and functionality may vary in other versions.

Objectives

  • Reconstruct downhole fluids using geothermal brine and steam composition.
  • Evaluate scaling risks by equilibrating fluids with calcite and amorphous silica (or quartz).
  • Simulate geothermal power plant operations to pinpoint critical scaling locations.
  • Analyze operational scenarios to determine optimal conditions for minimizing scale formation.

Procedure

1. Reconstructing Downhole Fluids

  1. Input fluid composition:

    • Use "Add Brine Analysis" to specify brine composition in the Data Entry tab.


    • In the Reconcile tab, press "Calculate" to obtain the reconciled brine analysis.
    • Similarly, use "Add Gas Analysis" to specify steam composition in the Inflows tab, then calculate the reconciled gas stream.






  2. Configure reservoir conditions:

    • Add a Saturator to simulate reservoir conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure, flow rates).
    • Specify brine and gas streams in the Inlets tab, set flow rates, and define reservoir temperature and pressure.
    • Use the Solid tab to saturate fluids with calcite and amorphous silica (lechatelierite) or quartz, or other solids of interest.

2. Simulating the Geothermal Well and Power Plant

  1. Set up facilities:

    • Use "Add Facilities" to model the system.
    • In the Inflow Specs tab, add nodes to represent key system locations/UnitOps (e.g., Reservoir, Downhole, Wellhead, High-Pressure Separator, Vaporizer, Pre-heater, Injector, etc.).
    • Name each node and specify its temperature, pressure, and input streams.


  2. Run calculations:

    • Press "Calculate" to simulate the facility and analyze system behavior.
    • Identify critical points in the system where scaling risks are highest.

3. Analyzing Scaling Risks

  • Evaluate the scaling potential for silica and carbonate at key operational nodes.
  • Use OLI’s scaling index outputs to focus on areas requiring preventive measures.


4. Testing Operational Scenarios

  1. Simulate variability:

    • Use "Add Scale Contour" to test a range of temperatures and pressures.
    • Define streams in the Inlets tab and set temperature and pressure ranges in the Conditions tab.


  2. Run scale contour survey:

    • Specify allowable solids in the Solid tab, then run the contour analysis.


  3. Analyze results:

    • View the contour plot to assess the temperature and pressure range where scale may form. Use the View Data option to examine data points if desired.




(note: blank cells indicate that 1-no data is available for that point or 2-the point did not converge)

    • Adjust variables in the Variables tab to refine the contour plot.

Insights

  • The model identifies scaling hotspots, helping operators mitigate risks effectively.
  • Sensitivity analyses provide insights into optimal conditions for minimizing scale formation.
  • Recommendations for operational adjustments and maintenance planning are generated based on results.

Conclusion

By leveraging OLI Studio’s modeling capabilities, this example highlights how geothermal power plants can optimize operations, reduce scaling issues, and improve long-term reliability.

For further assistance, please contact our support team or refer to the OLI Studio User Guide. These articles on OLI Studio: ScaleChem may also be helpful:

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