Pilot study of the impact of geothermal water RO concentrate volume minimization on the possibility of comprehensive further use

Abstract

Using membrane processes, especially reverse osmosis (RO), to concentrate geothermal waters can provide to obtain good quality new products, such as useful concentrates and permeates possible to use as drinking waters. Natural water, which possesses curative parameters, can be concentrated using membrane processes to produce curative solutions or crystalline salts used for healing baths or inhalations. Concentrates can also be a valuable resource for production metals, chemicals, and also magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium salts or other products for cosmetology industry. The aim of this work was to present the results of the research oriented towards examine the influence of recovery value of geothermal water on the quality of concentrate obtained by means of RO process. The survey was carried out on the example of two geothermal waters extracted from wells located in Poland area, which exhibit elevated concentrations of major ions, silica and other components significant for therapeutic industry. RO processes conducted in laboratory scale have allowed for a detailed recognition of the influence of the concentrate volume minimization, in adopted process parameters of permeate recovery (50% and 75%), on theirs composition. The research indicate that minimization of concentrates volume caused significant elevation of content of the desired (in some cases also undesired) components, and consequently this concentrates can be a potential source of mineral solutions applied in different industries, among others balneology or cosmetics industry.

Geothermal Water Management Using the Example of the Polish Lowland (Poland)—Key Aspects Related to Co-Management of Drinking and Geothermal Water

“…The problem that needs to be solved in terms of water management of this region is to determine the interaction of geothermal water levels, often in direct contact with the usable levels of groundwater. In the case of the exploitation of ordinary and geothermal water, in order to limit the amount of geothermal brine injected into the rock mass, account should be taken of the opportunities for the efficient use of cooled, spent geothermal waters for drinking and economic purposes (use a membrane processes for water treatment-desalination) [13][14][15]. Moreover, the renewability of geothermal energy resources should be considered when designing installations for heating purposes, to maintain the hydrodynamic balance between water intake and basin supply.…”

“…Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 13 [13][14][15]. Moreover, the renewability of geothermal energy resources should be considered when designing installations for heating purposes, to maintain the hydrodynamic balance between water intake and basin supply.…”

“…The problem with deficit regions is correlated with: (1) the usage of water resources (including high mineralized water which can threaten the sustainable use of surface water and groundwater resources), (2) the expanding ratio of consumption of groundwater resources, mostly in intensively exploited areas, and (3) the lack of possibilities for recharging municipal water supply systems. Therefore, works are undertaken to upsurge the efficiency of resource use while maintaining the safety of the resources [13][14][15][16].…”

Initial recognition of the possibilities of use abandoned oil and gas wells to desalinate produced water

“…Desalination of seawater or/and geothermal water and also water acquisition with the utilization of abandoned oil and gas wells potentially represents promising new production method of freshwater streams. Utilization of desalination techniques, among others membrane processes, gradually has increased despite the need for a large amount of energy [5][6][7]. Desalination technologies vary in different regions due to water characteristics, primarily to dissolved solid content.…”