Innovative technology summary report: Cryogenic drilling
Environmental drilling is used to conduct site investigations and to install monitoring and remediation wells. Employing conventional drilling techniques to conduct environmental investigations in unconsolidated soils can result in borehole collapse and may also lead to cross-contamination of aquifers and soil formations. For investigations in certain geologic conditions, there are currently no viable conventional drilling techniques available. Cryogenic drilling improves upon conventional air rotary drilling by replacing ambient air with cold nitrogen (either liquid or gas) as the circulating medium. The cold nitrogen gas stream freezes moisture in the ground surrounding the hole. The frozen zone prevents the collapse of the hole and prevents the movement of groundwater or contaminants through and along the hole. The technology, its performance, uses, cost, and regulatory issues are discussed.
- Research Organization:
- Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management, Washington, DC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 665922
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/EM-0382; ON: DE98007483; NC: NONE; TRN: AHC29819%%76
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Oct 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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