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Habanero test run reports 200 degrees Celsius wellhead temperature

Habanero test run reports 200 degrees Celsius wellhead temperature Habanero EGS Pilot Plant of Geodynamics, Australia (source: Geodynamics)
Alexander Richter 25 Jun 2013

In an update on initial trial run of its 1 MW Habanero EGS geothermal pilot plant, Australian Geodynamics reports success of initial tests and a wellhead temperature of 200 degrees Celsius.

In an update to the markets, Australian Geodynamics reports on the intial trial run of its 1 MWe Habanero Pilot Plant.

The company has been conducting and completed the first half of the planned 100 day trial run.

Among others the company has done a turbine test run, brine re-injection and performance testing,and  initiated tracer testing.

The following details for the tests have been given:

“Turbine test run – Initial steam generation and turbine runs have been successful. Following some minor adjustments, the Distributed Control System has been functioning well, integrating the brine loop and steam loop to establish stable plant operations.

Brine reinjection loop reliability and performance testing – Key areas monitored include the performance of the reinjection pump and seal. The closed loop performance over the first month has been in line with expectations with closed loop system flows achieved in line with modelled predictions.

Initiation of tracer testing – A tracer test has been initiated to measure reservoir size and other characteristics. Results of the test are expected over the coming months as the brine passes through the reservoir.

As part of this initial testing phase the plant has been operating at closed loop flows of 15 – 16 kg/s and has achieved a well-head temperature of 200°C. A significant milestone was achieved on 24 June with the power plant operating in stand-alone mode
generating net power.

The test program will now focus on step rate performance testing, which will involve operating the plant at different flow rates. The step rate performance tests are expected to occur over approximately the next 30 days. Following the completion of the step rate tests, power and reliability trials are planned to be conducted in the final month of the test program.”

Source: Company release (pdf)