WorldWide Drilling Resource

38 AUGUST 2014 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Economics of Microdrilling for Geothermal Exploration Adapted from Information Provided by the Institute for Future Energy Consumer Needs and Behavior A project by the Institute for Future Energy Consumer Needs and Behavior at RWTH Aachen University investigat- ed the economics of microdrilling for large-scale deep geothermal systems. Before a geothermal energy source can be developed, it must be explored. During the exploration phase, impor- tant characteristics are evaluated to reduce the risk for successive project development phases. Microdrilling has been developed mainly to explore and develop shallow gas and oil reservoirs. The method can potentially reduce costs due to reduced diameter of the borehole and smaller equipment used. Current research is focused on increasing the depth of these boreholes, which would make micro- drilling applicable in the exploration of deep geothermal resources. Microdrilling can be applied in the 8 inches, and in sticks, coils, or loops, GEOPERFORMX™ can help reduce the installation and operating costs of geo- thermal systems. Charged with highly-conductive min- eral nanoparticles, this thermally-conductive pipe can help get the job done faster. It is the first pipe in the world specifically designed to enhance the efficiency and performance of geothermal systems in vertical and closed- loop applications. Revolutionary Pipe for the Geothermal Industry Adapted from Information by Versaprofiles Versaprofiles, a leading manufacturer of HDPE pipe, has developed nanopar- ticles that, when dispersed in the poly- ethylene matrix, increase the thermal conductivity of the resin from which the pipes are extruded. This new pipe, GEOPERFORMX™, reduces the thermal resistance of the well and reduces the length needed for geo- thermal heat exchangers. This discovery has several advan- tages for the geothermal well drilling pro- fessional, including: ; Thermal conductivity 75% high- er than conventional HDPE. ; Reduces the length of loop field by 10-25%. ; Generates savings ranging from $1.00 to $2.50 per foot of drilling. ; Reduces space required for geo- thermal projects. ; Improves drilling efficiency by re- quiring less material, spacers, grout, and antifreeze, and generates less drilling waste. Available in sizes ranging from ¾- Economics cont’d on page 40.