Geothermal resources also serve residential and district heating, greenhouse heating and thermal spas. Problems in these systems usually concentrate in two places: scale in the plate heat exchanger on the geothermal side and corrosion in the closed loop on the clean-water side.
Geothermal side: exchanger scale
Low- and medium-temperature fluids can also carry significant calcium and dissolved CO₂. Pressure drop and temperature change cause calcite scale in plate exchanger channels; heating capacity falls and pumps work harder. Dosing a scale inhibitor or exchanger conditioner extends cleaning intervals markedly.
Closed loop: corrosion and sludge
In the clean-water circuit serving buildings or greenhouses, oxygen is the biggest risk. Constant top-up due to leaks brings oxygen and hardness into the loop; corrosion products form sludge that blocks radiators, pipes and valves. A closed-loop corrosion inhibitor and regular water analysis protect system life.
Greenhouse applications
Uninterrupted operation throughout the heating season is critical in greenhouses; exchanger blockage can cause crop losses. A pre-season exchanger check, regular pressure drop and temperature tracking during the season, and preventive dosing are recommended.
What Biyopol offers
- BiyoGeo HX heat exchanger conditioner
- Closed-loop corrosion inhibitors
- Exchanger cleaning chemicals when needed
- Dosing advice based on water analysis and a seasonal monitoring plan
| Check | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Exchanger inlet/outlet temperatures and pressure drop | Weekly |
| Closed loop pH, conductivity, iron | Monthly |
| Make-up water volume | Continuous / monthly |
| Visual exchanger inspection | Before the season |
Frequently asked questions
Does the scale inhibitor reach the heated water?
The geothermal fluid and the clean-water circuit are separated by the heat exchanger; product selection follows the application point and applicable regulations.
Why does make-up water matter?
Every top-up brings oxygen and hardness; tracking make-up volume is an early indicator of leaks and corrosion risk.
Is this suitable for thermal spas?
Yes; spa heat exchangers and heating circuits are treated on the same principles.
Related guides
- Geothermal power plant chemicals (overview)
- Calcite scaling in geothermal wells
- Silica and metal silicate scaling
- Corrosion in geothermal systems
- Downhole dosing via capillary tubing
- Heat exchanger and ORC fouling
- Scaling in reinjection lines and wells
- Sulphide scales (stibnite, iron sulphide)
Request an assessment for your field
Share your fluid analysis and operating data; our technical team will propose a suitable programme and trial plan.