New turbodrill for geothermal drilling

Conference · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:7096235

Maurer, W C; Nixon, J D; Matson, L W; Rowley, J C

A new high-temperature, 275/sup 0/C (550/sup 0/F), turbodrill is being developed for use in drilling geothermal wells. Performance of existing downhole drilling motors is limited in these holes because the motors contain materials, often elastomers, which degrade rapidly at elevated temperatures. Materials for the advanced turbodrill were selected for high-temperature service conditions. The advanced turbodrill will be tested in the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory's hot dry rock geothermal wells. The turbodrill is designed so that some of the drilling fluid is diverted through the axial thrust roller bearings for lubrication and cooling. Design of the turbine blading provides four times the torque of existing drill motors. The design also incorporates spare seals which are activated as the primary components wear, thereby minimizing time and expense of round trips for repairs or replacement. The torque-rotational characteristics were selected to be compatible with tungsten carbide button insert bits for long-life operation and efficient penetration in hot, hard geothermal formations. Drill motors have been used in drilling and completing wells in several geothermal fields. They have been especially valuable in directional drilling. The new temperature-resistant turbodrill is intended to provide increased effectiveness in all directional drilling applications and offer economic alternatives for completing geothermal wells.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos Scientific Lab., NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 7096235
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-77-1355; CONF-770804-9
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150901* -- Geothermal Engineering-- Drilling Technology & Well Hardware
DESIGN
DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
DRILLING
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
DRILLING FLUIDS
DRILLS
EQUIPMENT
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
GEOTHERMAL WELLS
Geothermal Legacy
HOT-DRY-ROCK SYSTEMS
MOTORS
PERFORMANCE
ROTARY DRILLS
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
WELL DRILLING
WELLS