Experimental Study on the Influence of Ion Components in Geothermal Water on Scaling Behavior

Yansong Yang, Zhouhang Li () and Hua Wang
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Yansong Yang: Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
Zhouhang Li: Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
Hua Wang: Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-28

Abstract: Understanding the scaling behavior of geothermal water is essential for optimizing geothermal plant performance and ensuring sustainable energy use. However, research on the effects of common ionic components in geothermal environments on scaling is still insufficient, and there is a lack of in-depth exploration of the quantitative control of ion concentrations. This study selected common ionic components based on the ionic composition of geothermal water samples and simulated a realistic geothermal environment by setting concentration gradients. Static aeration immersion experiments, combined with XRD and SEM analysis, were conducted to systematically investigate the effects of various ionic components on scaling behavior. The results indicate that CaCO 3 is the primary scaling substance in the simulated geothermal water. Ca 2+ , HCO 3 − , and SiO 3 2− significantly influence scaling. Specifically, the scaling amount increases with higher Ca 2+ concentration. HCO 3 − exhibits a nonlinear trend, with scaling initially increasing and then decreasing once its concentration exceeds approximately 1000 mg/L. This inhibition is likely due to HCO 3 − ’s pH-buffering effect, restricting its conversion to CO 3 2− and limiting CaCO 3 precipitation. SiO 3 2− significantly inhibits scaling, reducing the scaling amount by about 88.91% when its concentration increases from 0 to 200 mg/L. The effect of Mg 2+ is relatively minor, with a 13.21% reduction in scaling as its concentration increases from 0 to 50 mg/L. However, Mg 2+ notably alters the crystal phase of CaCO 3 , promoting aragonite formation. Without Mg 2+ , CaCO 3 predominantly forms as calcite. These findings emphasize the crucial role of ionic components and their concentration gradients in scaling, providing theoretical support for effective scaling prevention and control strategies.

Keywords: geothermal water; ion components; scaling behavior; crystal morphology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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