23 NOVEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Geothermal Heating by Ronald B. Peterson Man has been aware of the advantages of the consistent temperatures of water from below the surface of the earth for a long time. This attribute has been used over the years for both heating and cooling. There is a monument in Northern Arizona close to the Utah border called Pipe Springs National Monument. In the late 1800s, a facility was constructed where ditches were dug and then a wooden floor was installed. The cool water from a natural spring was diverted and allowed to flow through the ditches. The natural consistent temperature of this water provided the cooling necessary to support a dairy in the hot summer sun of Northern Arizona. This allowed them to preserve the milk, cheese, and butter from the dairy operation. The flowing water also provided a more stable temperature in the winter, reducing heating efforts. Geothermal resources can be relatively deep and very hot. The hottest geothermal project I have worked around was 450ºF (232ºC) at 600 feet. When a geothermal resource is that hot and that close to the surface, it can be very dangerous and extremely difficult to control. You need to be aware of the geology and lithology of an area so you can be prepared to address the situation. Once you “Release the Kraken,” the situation becomes a bit exciting since geothermal resources can be fierce. Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) for heating and cooling are very versatile for homes and businesses. Sometimes they are simply pump-and-dump systems, placed in the bottom of a nearby pond and fluid recirculated through them to the heat pump or furnace in the nearby target facility. They can be placed in trenches dug to a specific depth to obtain the desired consistent temperature. Usually, a specifically determined number of holes are drilled to a carefully determined depth required to maintain the desired temperature of the circulating fluid, which is then pumped through the system to a water furnace to obtain the desired heat exchange. To have a successful project, everything must be carefully researched and planned. You must make sure you have the correct equipment, personnel, and materials necessary to successfully complete the project. Properly planned, installed, and maintained, a good GSHP system will function well for many years at a surprising reduction in the cost of maintaining the desired temperature in the home or facility. This is a brief synopsis of ground source heating. The technology, as always, continues to evolve and change as available equipment and applicable technology changes. Make sure you stay familiar with current regulations and technology. Always remember, “A man has to know his limitations,” but he doesn’t have to be defined by them. He can raise the bar. Working together, it is amazing where we can go. Let’s enjoy the trip! If you have any questions on drilling fluids or if you have another topic you would like addressed, please remember this column is ours. Your input helps me make it of value to you. It needs to be an interactive tool. I need your feedback. Please send your suggestions to Michele (below) and she will get them to me. Thank you again for all you do! Ron Ron Peterson may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com GEO For more information call: (270) 786-3010 or visit us online: www.geothermalsupply.com All New! Atlantis-Pro Vault • Traffic-Rated Capable • Simple installation • Trouble-free operation December 10-12, 2024 ~ Groundwater Week - the ultimate industry event for empowering the next generation of groundwater professionals - will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Education opportunities abound each day with workshops, abstracts, and extended learning sessions on topics such as proper bit selection, maximizing sonic rig potential, extending the life of a well through preventive maintenance, and geothermal heat pumps. Explore new technologies, equipment, and services in the exhibit hall - and look for the WWDR Team in their red jackets on the floor and in booth #1639. For more details and to register, visit www.groundwaterweek.com See more events at www.worldwidedrillingresource.com online issue. Are you planning to go? WorldWide will be looking for you! Join WWDR
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