Using old infrastructure in new ways
Mine water offers significant potential as a sustainable heat source in former mining areas. Disused mines are often at a relatively constant temperature throughout the year, which makes them a reliable option for heat recovery. This energy can be increased to usable levels with heat pumps and then used for district heating grids or industrial processes. This turns mine water into an important resource for a sustainable heat supply as well as an attractive option for regions with existing mining infrastructure.
Utilizing heat and managing risks
The overall system must be precisely coordinated in order to use mine water efficiently as a heat source. It is crucial that the entire water-carrying system is managed reliably. A wide range of factors need to be taken into account when using mine water: water quality, flow rate, temperature, heat exchanger technology, integration into existing infrastructures, as well as financial and ecological aspects. High concentrations of minerals such as iron and manganese, in particular, as well as the high corrosiveness of mine water impose special requirements on evaporators, heat exchangers, and cleaning strategies. Microfouling and macrofouling can significantly impair the efficiency and availability of the plant depending on the water properties and operating conditions. Typical challenges include corrosion, scaling, sedimentation, biofouling, and other types of fouling.
Process engineering for stable heat transfer
Systems that are tailored to the water properties and plant design are required for utilizing mine water as a heat source. This is precisely where our filtration and tube cleaning solutions for heat exchangers and evaporators come in. They help to tackle fouling early, keep heat transfer surfaces clean, and prevent performance losses. The basis for this is our experience from more than 18,000 systems commissioned worldwide, including 100 that are used in industrial heat pumps. The aim is to keep the heat transfer stable and ensure ongoing plant availability.
The following solutions are used
Taprogge Systems
These are equipped with backwashable strainers and reliably prevent microfouling in evaporator and heat exchanger tubes. The aim is to keep the heat transfer coefficient of the heat exchanger as close as possible to the initial value using Taprogge Cleaning Balls that are specially tailored to the tube type and operating conditions.
Backwashable filters
These filters are available in different series and protect downstream components such as evaporators and heat exchangers from macrofouling and clogging as a prefiltration solution.
Typical features of customized solutions include
- Specialist expertise in the selection and operation of suitable Cleaning Balls
- Continuous cleaning of heat exchanger tubes without operational interruptions
- Environmentally friendly, chemical-free methods
- Use in straight-tube and U-tube heat exchangers
- Materials adapted to the process conditions, for example corrosion-resistant materials
Filtration and cleaning for mine water
Systems that are tailored to the properties of mine water and to the specific requirements of your plant are required when recovering heat from mine water. Find the right water filtration and continuous cleaning products for you. You can also make the most of our unique expertise in the selection of suitable cleaning strategies for challenging water types.
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To leverage the full potential of heat recovery from mine water, benefit from the expertise of engineers who not only know the technologies and materials but also develop solutions that are tailored to your specific needs. Reach out to us and we will be happy to support you.
Precisely tailored to your application
Heat recovery from mine water can only work efficiently in the long run if all relevant parameters are seamlessly coordinated with one another. These include water quality, plant concept, materials, heat exchanger design, and cleaning strategy. If these factors are not given the appropriate consideration, this can incur high costs and impair the efficiency of the overall system. With our experience in the analysis and optimization of heat transfer systems, we understand the process engineering requirements tied to heat recovery from mine water. These include risks such as micro- and macrofouling, as well as choice of material, heat exchanger design, and suitable cleaning strategies. On this basis, we develop solutions that are precisely tailored to your application.
