36 JANUARY 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® What’s Shaping the Future of Equipment Adapted from Information by International Drilling Equipment The future of geotechnical and foundation equipment is an exciting and dynamic field. As technology continues to advance, several trends and innovations are shaping the industry. Advanced Sensing and Monitoring: The use of advanced sensors and monitoring systems is revolutionizing geotechnical and foundation work. These technologies can provide real-time data on soil conditions, load-bearing capacities, and structural integrity. This information allows for proactive decision-making, early detection of potential issues, and optimized construction processes. Modular and Portable Equipment: The demand for flexibility and mobility in geotechnical and foundation work is driving the development of modular and portable equipment. These systems are designed for easy transportation, quick setup, and adaptability to various site conditions. Modular equipment allows for efficient resource utilization and reduces downtime between projects. 3D Printing and Conceptualizing: Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is making its way into the geotechnical and foundation industry. It offers the potential to create complex structural elements and customized foundations with greater speed and precision. With the use of 3D printing, you can see your ideas come to life. The geotechnical and foundation industries are dynamic and constantly evolving, which is why companies adapt technologies and equipment to meet continuously developing demands. C&G Scientists Study Carbon Dioxide Sequestration in Arizona Adapted from Information by Arizona Geological Survey Scientists at the Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS), University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University (NAU), and Arizona State University (ASU) have been awarded approximately $1 million from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) to characterize rock resources for permanent carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration and build a model to advance the commercialization of CO2 sequestration on a community scale in Arizona. Specific types of magnesium-rich igneous rocks react with CO2 naturally to form common materials like limestone and chalk. Called carbon mineralization, this process has already been successfully commercialized in Iceland, where CO2-enriched fluids are injected underground into basalt lava flows. The CO2 mineralizes to form new carbonate rocks within a few years. In this project, NAU scientists will be experimenting with ways to mineralize carbon dioxide in the laboratory with a different type of rock called scoria (or more commonly cinder). These rock types occupy roughly 20,000 square miles of the state and some areas are already mined for industrial purposes. AZGS geologists will catalog rock samples from across the state and provide NAU engineers with samples of rocks most favorable for permanent CO2 storage. The rocks will be crushed, milled, and reacted with CO2 at high temperatures and pressures, which will change the igneous rock into carbonate rock in just a few hours. The CO2 reaction kinetics data will be combined with sample physical and chemical properties of the rock samples, new geologic mapping, water chemistry and source analyses, and land use data to create a publicly available Mafic Rock Resource Inventory webmap. With the data, the ASU team of engineers will develop a commercial model for the creation of a carbon mineralization industry in Arizona. The model is driven by the passive collection of CO2 from the atmosphere by mobile direct air capture MechanicalTrees™ deployed next to a rock resource site. The new systems model will also consider the positive and negative impacts of the carbon sequestration industry at the community level. Rural and underserved communities often bear more of the burden from the energy infrastructure such as waste storage and polluted land and water yet receive fewer benefits than the urban areas and industrial complexes they serve, which leads to environmental justice issues. This study will aim to understand and address such issues in the context of CO2 sequestration within distributed mafic rock sites so that all parties involved, including small business and community ownership models, will experience meaningful benefits. The MechanicalTree™ captures CO2 from ambient air and purifies it for other uses. Photo courtesy of Carbon Collect. ENV
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