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Fluid-Dynamic Modelling of Silt-Laden Cooling Water in Ultra-Deep Drilling Operations
Geothermal energy will be one of the most important assets to solve the world’s energy problems in the future. High Speed Rock Drilling (HSRD), a Swiss company, has been developing and testing an efficient process for deep drilling down to 10 km.
During the drilling process to a depth of 10km, the enviroment changes. At large depths, high temperatures and pressures are encountered. Under all conditions, sufficient cooling and lubriucation of the drill head needs to be guaranteed.
The process to drill a hole with a diameter of 15 cm requires approximately 100 liters/min of fresh water to cool the motor and the drill head and to remove the silt produced during the cutting process. During the process the cooling water gets contaminated with up to 2.1 volume% (equal to 7 weight%) of silt.
During the drilling process to a depth of 10km, the enviroment changes. At large depths, high temperatures and pressures are encountered. Under all conditions, sufficient cooling and lubriucation of the drill head needs to be guaranteed. The process to drill a hole with a diameter of 15 cm requires approximately 100 liters/min of fresh water to cool the motor and the drill head and to remove the silt produced during the cutting process. During the process the cooling water gets contaminated with up to 2.1 volume% (equal to 7 weight%) of silt.
The objective of this project is to employ computational modeling techniques to explore various strategies for the efficient and continuous transport of silt-laden water from depths reaching up to 10 km. Methods under consideration include thermal processes, evaporative techniques, dispersion mechanisms, as well as the use of compressed and heated air. Opportunities for experimental validation are available.
The objective of this project is to employ computational modeling techniques to explore various strategies for the efficient and continuous transport of silt-laden water from depths reaching up to 10 km. Methods under consideration include thermal processes, evaporative techniques, dispersion mechanisms, as well as the use of compressed and heated air. Opportunities for experimental validation are available.
Interested candidates please send an email with a recent transcript of records to Marc Immer at mimmer at ethz dot ch.
Interested candidates please send an email with a recent transcript of records to Marc Immer at mimmer at ethz dot ch.
