Du forage au poste de soin : processus nouveau de distribution d'eaux hyperthermales à Luchon

From the borehole to the treatment room: a new process for mineral water distribution in Luchon

Thermes municipaux de Luchon

Abstract

Luchon has springs of sulphur and soda-rich mineral waters emerging at 74 °C and 65 °C. Since 1993-94 the way in which these waters are distributed to the various treatment rooms has been completely modified: to eliminate any risk of contamination, the boreholes are partially lined with stainless steel and the water is kept at nominal temperature throughout the transit and intermediate storage systems. It is only at the very door of the treatment rooms that the water is cooled to its temperature of use by means of plate heat exchangers.

The paper describes this completely new process, highlighting the technical requirements and problems which have had to be resolved together with the safety systems such an installation requires.