An Introduction to Reverse Circulation Drilling for Geothermal Exploration
- Key words
- Drilling; USA; Colorado; Drill Pipe; Drilling Fluid; Economics; Thermal Gradient; Circulation Drilling; Flow Turbulence
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1982
- Session
- Drilling; Reverse circulation drilling; Economics
- Language
- English
Abstract
Reverse circulation drilling techniques, in which returns are brought to the surface inside the drill pip, offer significant advantages over conventional drilling for geothermal exploration in terrains where adverse drilling conditions are anticipated. Such techniques require special equipment and skills, making them more expensive than conventional drilling in uncomplicated environments. However, the special capabilities that allow the reveres circulation completion of holes in zones of severe lost circulation or formation instability typically result in substantial relative cost reductions for drilling programs conducted under such adverse conditions.
Copyright 1982, Geothermal Resources Council. Readers who download papers from this site should honour the copyright of the original authors, and may not copy or distribute the work further without the permission of the original publisher.