Thesis project: Utilization of Silica from the Reykjanes geothermal field for industrial processes.
ISE Student Aníta Hauksdóttir defends master's thesis research
REYKJAVIK, December 14 - ISE Master candidate Aníta Hauksdóttir presented her final research project on exploring the possible commercial applications for Silica precipitates from the Reykjanes Geothermal Field. In cooperation with HS Orka, Aníta's thesis analyzed three samples of Silica precipitate and subsequently evaluated their possible uses.
At Reykjanes Geothermal Power Plant, HS Orka has been conducting Silica precipitation experiments since 2011. As part of these experiments, possible ways of marketing for what would otherwise be waste-products are being investigated. Aníta Hauksdóttir was tasked with exploring these opportunities further. The approach she chose was to first determine the characteristics of the silica precipitate and then based on the results of this analysis, explore possible commercial applications.
For her analysis, three samples from different stages of the silica precipitation process have been collected and analyzed. Aníta herself conducted scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer analyses on all three samples, while one of her samples also was analyzed by a professional laboratory in the Netherlands. The results from the analyses then were used as foundation for finding industries requiring approximately similar characteristics for their silica resources.
Although final results cannot be disclosed here, Aníta is confident that continuing to explore the applications that were found to suit the Silica's characteristics, will prove valuable and can lead to several successful business ventures.
Congratulations to Aníta for successfully defending her final project and earning her degree in Sustainable Energy Engineering.
To view Aníta's research abstract, click here .