| Abstract: | Chemical thermodynamics of geothermal brines are important in every aspect of geothermal development, starting from initial stages of exploration to the final stages of utilization. Yet there are serious gaps in the knowledge of high temperature thermodynamics of aqueous fluids. The critical areas of chemical thermodynamics that need serious evaluation include: (1) chemical and physical characteristics of aqueous solutions at high temperatures, (2) solubility and phase behaviour of numerous inorganic solids in aqueous media at high temperatures, (3) solubility and flash behaviour of gases in equilibrium with aqueous media at high temperatures and (4) cement, metal and other material resistivity to any mechanical and/or chemical degradation in various high temperature aqueous environments. The present paper reviews the status of the various aspects of chemical thermodynamics. The emphasis is placed in reviewing the various methodologies used in predicting scale formation and gas flashing during the production of geothermal brines. Various well-known models used in obtaining the chemical thermodynamic information are also critically reviewed. The general lack of knowledge on the data bases related to solubility of various species in high temperature brine is clearly pointed out. Based on the critical review of chemical thermodynamics of geothermal brines, the following conclusions are made: 1. The basic chemical thermodynamics of aqueous systems at high temperatures are not well known. 2. There is a lack of a thorough and reliable data base related to the phase behaviour of inorganic solids and their solubilities in aqueous media at high temperatures. 3. The solubilities and flash behaviours of gases in equilibrium with aqueous media at high temperatures and high pressures are not well known. |
