38 JANUARY 2021 WorldWide Drilling Resource® ThermoDrill - Innovative Geothermal Drilling System Adapted from Information by ThermoDrill Heat from the earth’s interior is a valuable, sustainable energy source possibility today. France’s 24megawatt geothermal plant in Rittershoffen supplies process heat to an industrial plant nearby. Geothermal energy utilized by the German power plant Insheim supplies electricity to about 8000 households. Europe’s use of renewable geothermal energy has become a necessity to ensure a secure, sustainable energy supply. With the focus on this renewable energy source, enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) can potentially become a global foundation for future energy plans. EGS can be established anywhere in the world, providing 24-hour baseload energy with near zero carbon emissions. Best source locations normally exist between one and three miles below the surface. Usually found in hard rock formations, these sources account for geothermal plants’ main cost, typically more than half the investment because drilling expenses rise with increasing depth. With the European Union’s Horizon 2020 funding, the innovative ThermoDrill has been developed by a team of experts from research and industry. The goal of developing a fast, cost-efficient drilling system combining conventional rotary drilling and water jetting promises to yield a minimum 100% increase in the rate of penetration (ROP), reducing costs more than 30%. Consideration was given to several research and development elements to realize this goal. Faster, more durable technology requires combined rotary drilling with highpressure water jetting. The jet cutting the rock surface in front of the rotary drill bit reduces stress, increasing the ROP. Pressure is generated downhole with no additional surface infrastructure required. Another essential is novel drilling fluid. The project developed a fluid acting not only as a drilling fluid but also supporting the jetting process. These combined functions facilitate increased drilling performance and meet strict environmental standards. A third consideration is a drill bit capable of withstanding extreme hydraulic pressure. The team designed a high-pressure body integrated into the frame of a roller cone bit, allowing easy maintenance and keeping a minimum distance between the borehole bottom and nozzle. Finally, simulations and experiments were performed to assess optimization of ThermoDrill. When put into use, it is expected to yield a savings of about 20% or $3.5 million for a single borehole three miles deep. eranhenderson@gmail.com New & Used Tricones PDCs Drag & Claw Bits Drill Collars Bit Tipping Subs & Stabilizers HDD Bits & Reamers DTH Hammer & Bits Custom Fabrication Junk Mills / Fishing Tools Rod Henderson 661-201-6259 Eran Henderson 661-330-0790 Drill bit prototype with highpressure nozzles. GEO Looking for a Great Deal on Advertising? Get PRINT and ONLINE advertising for one low price. Call for details 850-547-0102. WorldWideDrillingResource.com
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