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Expanding America’s Geothermal Energy Production Adapted from Information by U.S Department of Energy When it comes to American geothermal energy, California stands out from the rest of the field with a variety of resources. The state produces more geothermal power than any other state, and accounts for more than 20% of total geothermal energy production worldwide. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) National Renewable Energy Laboratory has shown the importance of adding even more geothermal energy to California’s grid, which they conclude could translate to potentially hundreds of millions of dollars saved annually in operations, mainte- nance, and statewide utility bills. However, even with this great potential, devel- oping new geothermal energy in a market as competitive as the one in California remains a challenge for several reasons. To address these concerns, DOE’s Geothermal Technologies Office has recently partnered with the California Energy Commission (CEC), the Department of the Interior, and several private foundations. Whi le no two geothermal resources are exactly the same, the trend of having to overcome technical chal- lenges associated with developing new geothermal resources in California serves as a key predictor for the expansion of geothermal resources across the nation. The DOE and CEC are investing in novel research mineral recovery techniques, which could potentially lead to direct applications for high- and low-temperature geothermal resources in California and more broadly. To best address challenges, additional partnerships will be forged between the national labs and industry, bringing research further out of the lab and into the field. It is hoped these partnerships will lay the groundwork for successfully testing materials and equipment in high-temperature environments in California, thus providing a foundation for similarly challenging resources across the United States. Innovative thinking continues to build steam with such ideas as develop- ing hybrid systems as a means to respond to an increasingly flexible grid; recov- ering critical materials from geothermal brines such as lithium and manganese for use in high-tech industries; and cascading uses such as desalination or even steam storage. Furthermore, it is recommended California and the federal government continue to work closely to integrate geothermal development into the region’s long-term environmental management planning. This includes leveraging exploration methods used by oil and gas to find previously unknown hydrothermal systems; developing a dedicated field site for accelerating breakthroughs for enhanced geothermal systems technology, which could unlock vast, previously unavailable geothermal energy; and funding novel technologies for extracting specific high-value minerals from geothermal brines. New & Used Bits, HDD Bits & Tools, Drag Bits & Wings, Bolt-On Drag Bits, Reverse Circulation Tools, Hole Openers, Claw Bits, Stabilizers, Subs, Custom Tooling & Welding, Hammer Bits, Drill Collars, Pipe Wipers, and Drill Pipe. Office: (661) 834-4348 Rod Henderson / Eran Henderson 661-201-6259 • 661-330-0790 sales@bitcobits.com www.bitcoinc.us Overcoming a Challenging Shape Adapted from Information by Thompson Pipe Group Throughout North America, there are hundreds of miles of sewer lines. Many pipeline installations from the early 20th century are now showing their age and are long overdue for rehabilitation or replacement. Stormwater pipe with nonround profiles needs to be dealt with as time goes by, particularly in urban areas with large quantities of wastewater and stormwater. Many of these nonround pipes were constructed by hand, and can therefore assume a broad variety of shapes and sizes. Engineers are faced with big challenges with these pipes. Pipes often run through urban centers, and old installations must be replaced with a more modern, corrosion-resistant prod- uct. To make matters worse, lines can sometimes twist and turn. To make nonround pipe, Thompson Pipe Group creates a special mandrel, which matches the profile of the host pipe. Using the filament-winding method, pipe is then produced to the exact specifications needed to fit. Using an extremely dense laminate, the company can get excellent hoop strength and axial reinforcement. Adding sand increases stiffness, which makes the pipe highly resistant to external loads. The new nonround pipe can generally be pushed into the host pipe in one continuous length. Special guides on the outside lower quadrant of the pipe prevents any rotation during installation. The bell- and-spigot joints are flush with the pipe itself, allowing for the sliplining process. One of the most attractive aspects of this rehabilitation method is the fact t here’s no need for a bypass system for the water. Service is essentially able to continue witho ut need of additional installation. Sliplining even a nonround host pipe or tunnel is less costly and tim e-consuming than other common methods. 30 JANUARY 2018 WorldWide Drilling Resource ®