{"id":9926,"date":"2018-08-16T08:09:49","date_gmt":"2018-08-16T13:09:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.wika.com\/us\/\/?p=9926"},"modified":"2025-11-12T13:25:04","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T18:25:04","slug":"pressure-measurement-geothermal-energy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.wika.com\/us\/products\/pressure-products\/pressure-measurement-geothermal-energy\/","title":{"rendered":"Case Study: Ensuring Safety and Efficiency at a Geothermal Site with WIKA’s Pressure Measurement Technology"},"content":{"rendered":"

In geothermal plants, transforming the earth\u2019s heat into electricity imposes challenging conditions on pressure measurement equipment. WIKA\u2019s pressure monitoring instruments and diaphragm seals can withstand harsh environments, as shown in a recent installation at a geothermal well in Southeast Asia.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Geothermal power has enormous potential as a renewable source of energy. In a typical geothermal plant, a well is drilled into the geothermal reservoir. The well brings hot water and\/or steam to the surface, where a steam turbine<\/a> converts heat energy into electrical energy. Water is injected into the well to maintain the reservoir\u2019s water level and pressure. Needless to say, accurate pressure measurement and monitoring is key to safe and efficient operations. If the well pressure goes too high, instruments can become damaged, which can lead to safety issues. If it goes too low, the equipment malfunctions, which may force a plant shutdown.<\/p>\n

Pressure Measurement Challenges of a Geothermal Plant<\/h2>\n

Instrumentation at the wellhead has to be particularly rugged to hold up under tough conditions. Temperatures can reach as high as 450\u00b0F (232\u00b0C), and pressures between 300 to 500 psi are the norm. Most of the times, the hot water and steam coming to the surface brings particulates with it, which can plug process connections. What\u2019s more, the earth particles are abrasive and can physically damage instruments.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, not all pressure gauges and diaphragm seals are able to withstand these conditions day after day.<\/p>\n

WIKA\u2019s Pressure Solution for Geothermal Well in SE Asia<\/h2>\n

Knowing WIKA USA\u2019s reputation for innovative measuring devices, a geothermal company based in Southeast Asia contacted WIKA\u2019s experts to provide pressure measurement solutions for its well in Indonesia.<\/p>\n

After assessing conditions at the project site, WIKA recommended the CPG1500<\/a>. This digital pressure gauge is extremely accurate \u2013 0.1% of span, with an optional 0.025% of span \u2013 and is available in an intrinsically safe version. Other advantages of the CPG1500 make it unlike any other product on the market:<\/p>\n