A Novel Technique for Monitoring Carbonate and Scale Precipitation Using a Batch-Process-Based Hetero-Core Fiber...

Area of Science:

• Geochemistry
• Materials Science
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Traditional fiber optic sensors for scale monitoring in geothermal and hot spring facilities require power and specialized expertise.
• Field deployment challenges include limited power availability and the need for skilled personnel to operate scale sensors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simplified, accessible method for evaluating scale formation using fiber optic sensors.
• To overcome the limitations of existing real-time monitoring systems in terms of power and expertise requirements.

Main Methods:

• A novel batch-process method utilizing a hetero-core fiber optic sensor.
• Scale is deposited on a specific section of the optical fiber, fused, and then measured for transmittance.
• Field technicians can collect samples for laboratory transmittance analysis.

Main Results:

• The developed method offers comparable sensitivity to conventional real-time monitoring techniques.
• Transmittance response correlates with saturation index (SI) changes in scale components.
• Successfully applied to monitor carbonate mineral formation in carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS).

Conclusions:

• This user-friendly method enables efficient scale evaluation in diverse industrial settings.
• It is applicable for monitoring mineral fixation in carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS).
• Expected to enhance the stable operation of geothermal power plants by evaluating amorphous silica scale.