Start capturing corrosion at geothermal power plants

Removing H₂S from steam

The first step to protecting a geothermal power plant is limiting the amount of H₂S coming in. This can be done by injecting Corrosorber^® Liquid into the water or steam at the wellhead. Corrosorber is a concentrated solution of a nitrogen-based heterocyclic compound that helps capture mercaptans, sulfides, and sulfur compounds. Each gallon of Corrosorber Liquid will scavenge approximately 3.3 lbs of H₂S/million ft³) (69.3 mg/l). By doing this at the point of entry, the incoming hot water/steam will be less corrosive to the turbines and overall plant. As the steam cools off and collects in the condenser, Corrosorber Liquid should be added again to remove even more H₂S. Adding S-10 at this time will provide further corrosion protection.

The role of corrosion inhibitors

After removing excess H₂S, corrosion inhibitors should be used to interrupt the corrosion reaction on metal surfaces exposed to any remaining corrosives (e.g. oxygen, humidity, and H₂S). There are two main types of corrosion inhibitors. Contact corrosion inhibitors protect surfaces to which they are directly applied (e.g. a coating or filming amine), while vapour phase corrosion inhibitors diffuse throughout an enclosed air space and are attracted to metal surfaces where they form a protective molecular layer. Corrosion inhibitors of both types are especially important for extending the service life of electricals and electronics.

Protecting geothermal ‘nerve’ centres

Fortunately, control panels, junction boxes, motor control centres, and switch-gears are some of the easiest parts of a geothermal power plant to protect. Workers can spray electrical contacts with ElectriCorr^TM VpCI^®-239 (which dries to a thin protective layer and can also be used for extra protection inside generator housings) and place VpCI-111 emitters and Corrosorber cups inside electrical enclosures. VpCI-111 emitters and Corrosorbers are self-adhesive cups of approximately the same size. VpCI-111 Emitters release vapour phase corrosion inhibitors through a breathable membrane, actively protecting up to 11 ft³ (0.31 m³) of space per emitter. Corrosorber cups absorb H₂S and other corrosive gases, changing colour as these gases are trapped to show when the cup needs to be replaced.

Routine and preventative maintenance

Beyond these key steam and electrical/electronic systems, routine and preventative maintenance are also important ways to address corrosion. Painted and unpainted equipment surfaces and structural steel may be coated for an extra layer of protection. VpCI-391 is a water-based coating that dries to a non-tacky finish and can be removed if desired. It may be used on external machined surfaces or painted surfaces. EcoShield^® VpCI-386 is a permanent topcoat that can be applied clear directly over painted surfaces or tinted to match facility colour schemes and applied directly to the metal. Both water-based coatings contain a mixture of specialty corrosion inhibitors that make them competitive alternatives to industrial grade solvent borne systems. When routine maintenance needs to be done on pumps, valves, or other threaded assemblies, VpCI Super Penetrant does an excellent job of loosening rusty fasteners so excess force (which could damage valve stems and packing body bolts) does not need to be used. CorShield^® VpCI-369 can be applied upon installation to threaded assemblies that need periodic adjusting (e.g. valve stem bushings).

Facing the facts of geothermal corrosion geothermal power stands ready to be a valuable source of renewable energy. As the industry continues to grow, it will be increasingly important to face the hard facts of corrosion in a geothermal environment. The solutions mentioned above are an easy place to start, first by reducing corrosives, then by inhibiting the effects of remaining corrosive compounds.

For more news and technical articles from the global renewable industry, read the latest issue of Energy Global magazine.

Energy Global's Winter 2023 issue

The Winter 2023 issue of Energy Global hosts an array of technical articles weather analysis, geothermal solutions, energy storage technology, and more. This issue also features a regional report looking at the future of renewables in North America, and a report from Théodore Reed-Martin, Editorial Assistant, Energy Global, on how Iceland utilises its unique geology for renewable energy.

Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/special-reports/24012024/start-capturing-corrosion-at-geothermal-power-plants/