Chapter 5

Single-Flash Steam Power Plants

5.1 Introduction 82
5.2 Gathering system design considerations 82
5.2.1 Piping layouts 82
5.2.2 Pressure losses 83
5.3 Energy conversion system 87
5.4 Thermodynamics of the conversion process 91
5.4.1 Temperature-entropy process diagram 91
5.4.2 Flashing process 91
5.4.3 Separation process 92
5.4.4 Turbine expansion process 92
5.4.5 Condensing process 94
5.4.6 Cooling tower process 94
5.4.7 Utilization efficiency 96
5.5 Example: Single-flash optimization 97
5.5.1 Choked well flow 97
5.5.2 Non-choked well flow 99
5.6 Optimum separator temperature: An approximate formulation 100
5.7 Environmental aspects for single-flash plants 102
5.7.1 General considerations 102
5.7.2 Considerations pertaining to single-flash plants 102
5.8 Equipment list for single-flash plants 104
5.8.1 Wellhead, brine and steam supply system 104
5.8.2 Turbine-generator and controls 105
5.8.3 Condenser, gas ejection and pollution control (where needed) 106
5.8.4 Heat rejection system 106
5.8.5 Back-up systems 107
5.8.6 Noise abatement system (where required) 107
5.8.7 Geofluid disposal system 107
References 107
Nomenclature for figures in Chapter 5 108
Problems 108

Geothermal Power Plants: Principles, Applications, Case Studies and Environmental Impact, Third Edition.
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