This book introduces aqueous geochemistry applied to geothermal systems. It is specifically designed for readers first entering into the world of geothermal energy from a variety of scientific and engineering backgrounds, and consequently is not intended to be the last word on geothermal chemistry. Instead it is intended to provide readers with sufficient background knowledge to permit them to subsequently understand more complex texts and scientific papers on geothermal energy. The book is structured into two parts. The first explains how geothermal fluids and their associated chemistry evolve, and shows how the chemistry of these fluids can be used to, deduce information about the resource. The second part concentrates on survey techniques explaining how these should be performed and the procedures which need to be adopted to ensure reliable sampling and analytical data are obtained. A geothermal system requires a heat source and a fluid which transfers the heat towards the surface. The fluid could be molten rock (magma) or water. This book concentrates on the chemistry of the water, or hydrothermal, systems. Consequently, magma-energy systems are not considered. Hot-dry rock (HDR) systems are similarly outside the scope of this text, principally because they contain no indigenous fluid for study. Both magma-energy and HDR systems have potential as energy sources but await technological developments before they can be exploited commercially. Geothermal systems based on water, however, are proven energy resources which have been successfully developed throughout the world.

Volume 76 of Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry presents an extended review of the topics conveyed in a short course on Geothermal Fluid Thermodynamics held prior to the 23rd Annual V.M. Goldschmidt Conference in Florence, Italy (August 24-25, 2013). It covers Thermodynamics of Geothermal Fluids, The Molecular-Scale Fundament of Geothermal Fluid Thermodynamics, Thermodynamics of Aqueous Species at High Temperatures and Pressures: Equations of State and Transport Theory, Mineral Solubility and Aqueous Speciation Under Hydrothermal Conditions to 300 °C – The Carbonate System as an Example, Thermodynamic Modeling of Fluid-Rock Interaction at Mid-Crustal to Upper-Mantle Conditions, Speciation and Transport of Metals and Metalloids in Geological Vapors, Solution Calorimetry Under Hydrothermal Conditions, Structure and Thermodynamics of Subduction Zone Fluids from Spectroscopic Studies and Thermodynamics of Organic Transformations in Hydrothermal Fluids.

Geothermal Power Generation: Developments and Innovation provides an update to the advanced energy technologies that are urgently required to meet the challenges of economic development, climate change mitigation, and energy security. As geothermal resources are considered renewable and can be used to generate baseload electricity while producing very low levels of greenhouse gas emissions, they can play a key role in future energy needs. This book, edited by a highly respected expert, provides a comprehensive overview of the major aspects of geothermal power production. The chapters, contributed by specialists in their respective areas, cover resource discovery, resource characterization, energy conversion systems, and design and economic considerations. The final section provides a range of fascinating case studies from across the world, ranging from Larderello to Indonesia. Users will find this to be an essential text for research and development professionals and engineers in the geothermal energy industry, as well as postgraduate researchers in academia who are working on geothermal energy. Provides readers with a comprehensive and systematic overview of geothermal power generation Presents an update to the advanced energy technologies that are urgently required to meet the challenges of economic development, climate change mitigation, and energy security Edited by a world authority in the field, with chapters contributed by experts in their particular areas Includes comprehensive case studies from across the world, ranging from Larderello to Indonesia

Geysers. What makes them work? Many who have seen a geyser in action know only that it spouts hot water into the air. Many others have never seen one. Chapter 1, Geysers of the World, delineates their distinguishing features, locates the geyser regions of the world, and places investigations by world travelers and scientists in historic perspective. One of the quickest ways to become acquainted with a geyser is to observe it. The descriptions of several well known geysers, some based on past observations by others, but frequently by me, do not neces sarily portray current behavior. They do, however, represent general features. Geysers exist as a result of a delicate and unique interplay among the heat, the water, and the rocks of the earth. In essence, heat and water must be available, transported, distributed, stored, and finally released. Chapter 2, The Geologic, Thermal, and Hydrologic State of the Earth, especially that close to its surface, sets the stage for Chapter 3, Fundamentals of Geyser Operation. The geyser is treated here as a simple system consisting of three major interacting elements: a source of water, a source of heat, and a reservoir for storing water. The discus sion centers around the actions occurring within idealized columnar and pool geysers, and more complex systems. Some of the more workable geyser theories are evaluated.

Geothermal Reservoir Engineering offers a comprehensive account of geothermal reservoir engineering and a guide to the state-of-the-art technology, with emphasis on practicality. Topics covered include well completion and warm-up, flow testing, and field monitoring and management. A case study of a geothermal well in New Zealand is also presented. Comprised of 10 chapters, this book opens with an overview of geothermal reservoirs and the development of geothermal reservoir engineering as a discipline. The following chapters focus on conceptual models of geothermal fields; simple models that illustrate some of the processes taking place in geothermal reservoirs under exploitation; measurements in a well from spudding-in up to first discharge; and flow measurement. The next chapter provides a case history of one well in the Broadlands Geothermal Field in New Zealand, with particular reference to its drilling, measurement, discharge, and data analysis/interpretation. The changes that have occurred in exploited geothermal fields are also reviewed. The final chapter considers three major problems of geothermal reservoir engineering: rapid entry of external cooler water, or return of reinjected water, in fractured reservoirs; the effects of exploitation on natural discharges; and subsidence. This monograph serves as both a text for students and a manual for working professionals in the field of geothermal reservoir engineering. It will also be of interest to engineers and scientists of other disciplines.

Geothermal energy stands out because it can be used as a baseload resource. This book, unlike others, examines the geology related to geothermal applications. Geology dictates (a) how geothermal resources can be found, (b) the nature of the geothermal resource (such as liquid- or vapor-dominated) and (c) how the resource might be developed ultimately (such as flash or binary geothermal plants). The compilation and distillation of geological elements of geothermal systems into a single reference fills a notable gap.