This award recognises exceptional activities or projects associated with the development or implementation of improved or new products or services for generation, transmission, reticulation or use of gas or electricity, including motor and engine technology.

Nga Awa Purua Geothermal – Steam Separation System
Sinclair Knight Merz

The steam separation system is a sophisticated triple flash process delivering high-purity steam to the geothermal turbine, which produces up to 140 megawatts of electricity.

The inlet pressure is the highest of any geothermal field in New Zealand. The temperature and pressure-induced stresses applied to equipment, piping and components (such as vessels, pipes, valves and pumps) is much greater than is usual and required specific design. Advanced methodologies for the separation system were developed through computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis. The site topography was used to provide the necessary positive suction pressure to the brine reinjection pump sets, without having to place the pump sets in  a pit. This avoided an accumulation of toxic, hydrogen sulphide gas, which would have created a safety hazard.  The project confirms New Zealand’s continued leading status in innovative geothermal engineering.

<< Back