Why Pentane in Geothermal?
Junyuan Petroleum, September 24, 2016
Why Pentane in Geothermal?
Geothermal power generation must operate with whatever temperature is found in a particular well. Water and steam work well at high temperatures. At lower temperatures, a "binary system" may sometimes provide better efficiency.
In a binary system, the hot fluid from the geothermal source is used to heat a second, lower boiling point fluid (in this case, pentane) to convert it to gas and drive a turbine. The nature of pentane allows the whole cycle (fluid to gas, drive the power generation turbine, and condense to fluid) to take place efficiently at a lower temperature.
At this location, a binary system is being used to squeeze additional power from the hot condensate leaving a primary water/steam turbine. Using an additional set of heat exchangers this energy is captured to heat low boiling point pentane and to drive an additional turbine. The pentane system harnesses more of the energy brought out of the ground.
Like getting something for nothing.
Cited from http://www.graphalloy.com
Pentane is a low lubricity, low boiling point liquid. Whenever there is an upset, pumps in pentane service risk galling. Because of the nature of this pumpage, GRAPHALLOY® wear parts are selected to provide a margin of safety and prevent galling.
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