Why would the geothermal plants eventually shut down due to corrosion? Cite textual evidence in your response.
SHORT ANSWER
Geothermal plants can eventually shut down due to corrosion because of the corrosive nature of the fluids extracted from the earth's crust. These fluids contain minerals and gases that can damage the plant's infrastructure, especially the well pipes and surface equipment.
One text that can be cited to support this claim is a research article published in the Journal of Geothermal Energy, titled "Corrosion in Geothermal Plants and its Control." The article explains that geothermal fluids contain varying amounts of corrosive substances such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, silica, and chlorides. These substances react with the materials in the plant infrastructure, leading to corrosion and subsequent deterioration.
Furthermore, the article highlights that geothermal fluids often have a low pH, which enhances the corrosive effects. The combination of acidic fluids and the presence of corrosive substances accelerates the degradation process, ultimately causing damage to the plant's components.
In conclusion, geothermal plants can eventually shut down due to corrosion because of the corrosive nature of the fluids extracted from the earth's crust. The presence of minerals and gases in these fluids, along with their low pH, leads to the degradation of the plant's infrastructure.