Preventing Scaling and Corrosion in Geothermal Facilities with Novel Lubricant-Infused Barrier Coating
Summary
SCH Number
2025091261
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Preventing Scaling and Corrosion in Geothermal Facilities with Novel Lubricant-Infused Barrier Coating
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/26/2025
Document Description
The project will develop and demonstrate a novel superhydrophobic lubricant-infused composite (SLIC) barrier coating optimized to resist scaling and corrosion when used to line piping in Salton Sea geothermal power plants. The harsh conditions in Salton Sea geothermal brines mean that uncoated metals, including stainless steel, begin to
form scale in just hours while SLIC's lubricated surface remains clean. The slippery nature of the coating also means that any scale that does form will not be durably attached and can be removed with low-intensity cleaning.
Contact Information
Name
Chuck Gentry
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Job Title
Mechanical Engineer
Contact Types
Responsible Agency
Address
Phone
Name
Chad Haugen
Agency Name
Barr Engineering Co. dba Barr Engineering Co. - Midwest
Job Title
Project Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Calipatria
Counties
Imperial
Regions
Southern California
Zip
92233
Other Location Info
409 W McDonald St.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15301
Reasons for Exemption
California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15301: The project involves minor alteration of an existing facility. The site is an existing geothermal power plant that includes brine processing facilities, geothermal production wells, and electricity generation facilities. Small metal sheets painted with the barrier coating will be
secured inside sections of pipe and other sections of pipe will have the interior surface painted with the barrier coating. A limited number of these 1-meter sections of pipe will be installed in a geothermal process flow or test loop. These tests will be used to measure the performance of the superhydrophobic lubricant-infused composite
barrier coating technology.
For these reasons, the proposed project will have no significant effect on the environment and is categorically exempt under sections 15301.
The project will not impact an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern where designated, precisely mapped, and officially adopted pursuant to law by federal, state, or local agencies; does not involve any cumulative impacts of successive projects of the same type in the same place that might be considered significant; does not involve unusual circumstances that might have a significant effect on the environment; will not result in damage to scenic resources within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway; the project site is not
included on any list compiled pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5; and the project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Therefore, none of the exceptions to categorical exemptions listed in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply to this project, and this project will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15306
Reasons for Exemption
This installation will not expand the existing use of the facility and will not have a
significant effect on the environment. California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15306: This project involves data collection and research activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource.
For these reasons, the proposed project will have no significant effect on the environment and is categorically exempt under section15306.
The project will not impact an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern where designated, precisely mapped, and officially adopted pursuant to law by federal, state, or local agencies; does not involve any cumulative impacts of successive projects of the same type in the same place that might be considered significant; does not involve unusual circumstances that might have a significant effect on the environment; will not result in damage to scenic resources within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway; the project site is not
included on any list compiled pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5; and the project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Therefore, none of the exceptions to categorical exemptions listed in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply to this project, and this project will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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