Equipment Used in Direct Heat Projects

Abstract

Geothermal well pumps are normally either submersible type or the turbine type. If a turbine pump can be used, a variable speed driver should be considered. These drivers permit no load starting, reduce shock and vibration, and minimize horsepower requirements. The power savings is about 40% when compared tro regulating flow by throttling. Plate heat exchangers are less expensive and more effective than tube heat exchangers in the usual geothermal applications. They can be used as the key component in a two loop system to minimize the effect of corrosion and deposits. Limiting consideration for nonmetallic pipe is the geothermal water temperature. Burying a pipeline achieves an insulating effect. The minimum acceptable delivered water temperature must be considered. Space heating can be accomplished using geothermal water as low as 85°F. Methods used are dependant on the temperature of the water available. Finned tubes in forced air ducting are a very effective method of heating.