Advanced Percussive Drilling Technology for Geothermal Exploration and Development
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Atlas-Copco Secoroc LLC, Fagersta (Sweden)
Percussive hammers are a promising advance in drilling technology for geothermal since they rely upon rock reduction mechanisms that are well-suited for use in the hard, brittle rock characteristic of geothermal formations. The project research approach and work plan includes a critical path to development of a high-temperature (HT) percussive hammer using a two phase approach. The work completed in Phase I of the project demonstrated the viability of percussive hammers and that solutions to technical challenges in design, material technology, and performance are likely to be resolved. Work completed in Phase II focused on testing the findings from Phase I and evaluating performance of the materials and designs at high operating temperatures. A high-operating temperature (HOT) drilling facility was designed, built, and used to test the performance of the DTH under extreme conditions. Results from the testing indicate that a high-temperature capable hammer can be developed and is a viable alternative for use in the driller’s toolbox.
- Research Organization:
- Golden Field Office, Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Geothermal Technologies Office
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-EE0005502
- OSTI ID:
- 1362127
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-2017-4612
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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