| Abstract: | We used a chemical equilibrium model, implemented in a compact FORTRAN package called HITEQ, to investigate possible mineral deposition related to prereinjection treatment of Cerro Prieto brines for silica removal. Large saturation ratios of the treated brines with respect to several minerals are indicated by these computations. As a remedy, we propose an inexpensive CO2 removal scheme aimed at inhibiting carbonate mineral precipitation. This scheme is quantitatively discussed with the aid of HITEQ. We conclude that the proposed treatment is both technically and economically feasible. |
