Research / Development & Innovation
Research / Development & Innovation
Various sites in Europe
MONTANUNIVERSITAET LEOBEN (AT)
Bestec (DE), RAG Energy Drilling (AT), Inerci Ingeniria (ES), Munich Technical University (DE), Sirius-ES Handeis (AT), Smith International Italia (IT), Geo-Energie Suisse (CH)
Geothermal wells often have to be drilled through very hard rock formations. This takes state-of the art drilling equipment to its limits, resulting in an urgent need for a faster and more durable technology.
The ThermoDrill project goal is developing a fast and cost-efficient drilling system based on an innovative combination of conventional rotary drilling and water jetting.
1) New drilling technology: the combination of conventional rotary drilling with high pressure water jetting will afford at least a 100% increase in the rate of penetration in hard rock, and an associated cost reduction of more than 30%. 2) Novel drilling fluids: The ThermoDrill project set out to find a fluid which acts not only as a drilling fluid but also supports the jetting process. 3) Unique drill bit prototype: The drill bit needs to withstand the enormous hydraulic pressure transferred through the bit to the jetting nozzles.