Use of Promoter Pipes with Downhole Heat Exchangers in Klamath Falls, Oregon

Abstract

A promoter pipe is simply a pipe that is open at both ends that is place in a well with a downhole heat exchanger. These have been used extensively in Rotorua, New Zealand. The promoter pipe sets up a convection cell that is necessary to increase the temperature of the water over the length of the downhole heat exchanger. It is used when the well casing has not been perforated just below the low water line and the live water flow at the bottom of the well, thus preventing the hot water flow from mixing sufficiently along the entire well-bore length. The temperature and heat output of the downhole heat exchanger can be significantly increased if a convection cell is set up in the well. Several examples of wells that have promoter pipes installed in them in Klamath Falls are documented, comparing the temperature output before and after installation.