Scaling potential of geothermal water from the well A-2 at Vranjska Banja: Serbia

Abstract

Geochemical and physicochemical characteristics of geothermal water from A-2 well are investigated in order to estimate its tendency towards the formation of scale in the pipe installation. Based on the geochemiocal analysis of major elements and groups, as well as triangular plots, this geothermal water can be classified as Na-Alk•SO4 type. The ternary diagram classifies it as steamheated-peripheral water. A-2 has a good utilization capacity of 1 L s-1 at the water temperature of 84 °C. Regarding this, SI values are determined as the measure of tendency to form deposits. A positive SI value of calcite (0.14) and aragonite (0.03) at the temperature of 84 °C suggests a very low tendency to form scale, as well as the possible occurrence of a minor proportion of carbonate minerals. XRD mineralogical and SEM analyses of the scale have confirmed its calcite composition. SI values for the temperature of 25 °C indicate the safe silicate minerals deposition due to the positive temperature coefficient. The obtained SI values indicate that the A-2 geothermal water in Vranjska Banja is suitable for use in piping installations because it shows poorly pronounced tendency to form deposits.

Potential for sustainable investments in Serbia: SDG investment map

“…The third aspect is mountainous areas, with examples including the construction of the Ramonda Hotel on Rtanj, as well as numerous hotels on Kopaonik and Zlatibor. Vranjska Banja stands out due to its hot springs with a temperature exceeding 94 degrees Celsius and a source capacity of over 110 liters per second, representing significant potential for development [45]. The future of the hotel industry hinges on adopting sustainable business practices.…”