WorldWide Drilling Resource

42 JULY 2013 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® AGWT Offering a Geothermal Education You Can Trust! by Bonnie Love, Editor WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of attending a workshop hosted by the American Ground Water Trust (AGWT). Geothermal Heat ing and Cool ing Innovations was an incredible workshop! AGWT has been working with drilling and geothermal pro- fessionals since 1986. Garret Graaskamp, a hydrogeologist with AGWT opened the workshop with an overview of the geo- thermal industry and its importance to the groundwater industry. It was interesting to learn China is gaining on the U.S. in ground source heat pump (GHP) usage, but the GHP market in the U.S. is on the rise. One of the main obstacles is training and education. Graaskamp echoed a sentiment I have heard numerous times, most peo- ple confuse GHP geothermal usage with EGS (enhanced/engineered geothermal system), which is used for power pro- duction. The two geothermal processes are very different, so bringing awareness to the advantage of GHP systems will be vital to the industry’s success. GHPs can work in any environment, are not limited by infrastructure, and provide a wide vari- ety of jobs. Some countries, such as Sweden, have banned using fossil fuel for heating and cooling, and GHPs offer an environmentally-friendly option. He also mentioned the need for engi- neering and drilling students to receive more training to ensure the best tech- nology and environmental processes are being used to maintain the quality of our precious groundwater sources. The next speaker was Keith Swilley, marketing manager with Gulf Power Co. in Pensacola, Florida. He brought a very in- teresting project to the group’s attention. Hurricane Ivan dev- asted the Florida Panhandle in 2004. WhenaMcDonald’s restaurant inPensacola was being rebuilt after the storm, the own- ers decided to install a geothermal sys- tem. After all, GHPs aren’t affected by weather as much as conventional units. Since this is the first McDonald’s to install a GHP system in Florida, the company and Gulf Power have been evaluating the system as a corporate model. He also discussed the importance of educating appraisers, lenders, realtors, builders, political leaders, and the gener- al public of the incredible efficiency GHP systems offer. Doug Keller, field services technical representative for Baroid Industrial Drilling Products gave a great presentation regarding drilling tech- niques and the function of drilling fluids. He made sure everyone under- stood knowing the geol- ogy of the area is key to coming up with a good drilling plan. The workshop was filled with inform- ative sessions about thermal conductivi- ty, hybrid systems, piping, and pumps, as well as borehole thermal energy storage and system troubleshooting. Each ses- sion was hosted by an industry profes- sional with valuable information, case # # " " $ $ $ ! $ ! # " studies, and data vital to the industry. It was a fascinating experience and one I would encourage any drilling or geo- thermal professional to attend. AGWT offers numerous educational workshops on a variety of topics, which are easily found in both WWDR and WWGR . The knowledge you gain will be invaluable, and you earn continuing education cred- its to boot! I would l ike to thank American Ground Water Trust for allowing me to attend and learn more about the industry. • Simple installation • Trouble-free operation For more information call: (270) 786-3010 or visit us online: www.geothermalsupply.com Atlantis Vault