Geothermal Drilling Experience with an Innovative Drill Rig

Abstract

In order to efficiently explore and develop geothermal resources, it is most important to enhance the drilling performance as well as to reduce the costs of drilling. This is achieved through an adaptation of existing drilling techniques to the special requirements of the geothermal market. InnovaRig is a new drill rig based on the rig type Terra Invader 350 (TI-350) from Herrenknecht-Vertical GmbH with innovative characteristics for scientific drilling and industrial applications. Designed by GFZ Potsdam, Germany’s international research centre for geosciences, in cooperation with the industrial partners Herrenknecht Vertical and Angers’ and Sons drilling company, it exceeds the modern requirements of drilling. With a compact design and small environmental footprint it reduces manpower and operational costs to a minimum (fig.1). Innovations in the deep drilling technology have been made in the areas of noise protection, energy saving, automation and comprehensive cost reduction. The development is based upon the drilling technology of oil and gas well construction rigs and the experience and requirements gained in former geothermal energy projects. InnovaRig represents an innovative drilling rig tailored for scientific drilling projects as well as commercial projects likewise and has already stood successfully the first operational drilling projects in Germany and will further support the fast implementation of geothermal projects in Europe and other locations worldwide.