Research and Development of porous, high-density polyethylene screens for shallow geothermal well systems

Abstract

In this paper the first results of a research project, supported by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU), are presented. The study intends to develop an ecologically profitable and low maintenance plastic screen for shallow geothermal well systems. The project consists of different tasks. On the one hand the hydraulic and geotechnical properties of the screens are analyzed. On the other hand one of the main aims of the study is it to investigate the aging of the screens induced by mechanical, chemical and microbiological processes. According to the results suggestions for well reconstruction and rehabilitation will be developed. The screen elements are going to be tested on long-run behavior in the laboratory and in the field. An additional focus is on the development and optimization of the manufacturing process of the screens.