Report on the nature of subterranean heat examined at Beppu

Abstract

In Italy, boric acid (H₃ BO³) has been gathered from the subterranean water- vapour and also, electric power has been evolved from the source. Subterranean heat has not yet been studied and utilized in many volcanoes in Japan. Recently the author has examined its nature at Beppu, Oita Prefecture for the purpose in its utilization. A bore hole (3 inches in diameter) was drilled to the depth of 100 meters and water vapour erupted, Temperature of the vapour is 128°C at the top and 160 C at the bottom of the bore hole, and its yield is estimated to be 2, 000 kg/hr. The vapour consists almost wholly of 1120 (about 98.5% vol), and the amount of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other gases is limited to 1.5% vol. If we design electrification, we may presumably obtain 100KW. of electricity. The design of the electric power plant is proceeding and drilling of a bigger hole on the other hand is now under preparation.