Solubility Study of Mineral Deposition Inside Separator Unit in Geothermal Power Plant Using Chemo-Mechanical Method with HCl, EDTA and H2SO4 Solvents.

• Main Author: Adiwibowo, Indradarma
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/40778
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Indonesia has more than 40% of world’s geothermal potential. Nevertheless, this abundant resource is not optimally used. One of the problem restricting the usage of geothermal resource is because of mineral deposition in the powerplant. This mineral deposition, generally termed scaling, when it is not addressed correctly can cause a significant loss in energy production. To solve this problem, we can use chemical method, mechanical method, or the combination of both methods. The purpose of this research is to formulate the optimum combination between this two methods of descaling. Chemical solvents used in this research were HCl (Hydrochloric Acid), EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) dan H2SO4 (Sulphate Acid). These three solvents have been tested in various concentration and working temperature. Moreover, there has been three variation of time. Mechanical effect has been given by means of rotating magnetic stirrer. By combining the chemical and mechanical method, it is expected a better performance during descaling process. The sample for this research was taken from Dieng Geothermal Power Plant, owned by PT Geo Dipa Energi. This power plant was located in Dieng Plateau, Central Java. This sample was then characterized by means of SEM, EDS, and XRD method to give the composition of the sample. The research result shows all of the three solvent can not give a convincing result as a descaling agent. This can be seen through the inconsistency of the weight loss experienced by the sample in a static condition. However, if the solution is stirred with magnetic stirrer, which gave the sample some mechanical effect, the result is better.