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Updated: Jan 3, 2026
08:04
Preparation of Functional Silica Using a Bioinspired Method
Published on: August 1, 2018
17.7K
Preventing Silica Scale Formation Using Hydroxide Ions Generated by Water Electrolysis
Yoshihiko Sano1, Masataka Yamaguchi1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shizuoka University, 3-5-1 Johoku, Naka-ku, Hamamatsu 432-8561, Japan.
Membranes
|November 17, 2019
Summary
This study presents an effective method for silica scale prevention in geothermal power generation by using magnesium and calcium ions during water electrolysis. The process removes silica and calcium carbonate from solutions, enabling continuous operation.
Area of Science:
- Geothermal Energy
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Silica scale formation is a major challenge in geothermal binary power generation.
- Existing methods for silica scale prevention are often inefficient or lead to operational issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a novel method for preventing silica scale formation in geothermal binary power generation.
- To explore the use of water electrolysis and specific cations for silica removal.
Main Methods:
- Batch and continuous experiments were conducted.
- Water electrolysis was used to generate hydroxide ions.
- Inductively coupled plasma and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were employed for material analysis.
Main Results:
- Silica was effectively removed from the cathode phase when magnesium and calcium were present, forming a silica-magnesium-calcium compound (2CaO-5MgO-8SiO2-H2O).
- Increasing electrical current also produced calcium carbonate, allowing for continuous separation of silica and calcium.
- High currents inhibited precipitate formation due to proton migration.
Conclusions:
- The proposed method effectively removes silica from solutions in geothermal binary power generation.
- Continuous operation without channel clogging is achievable.
- Further optimization is needed to suppress proton generation effects for simultaneous calcium removal.
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