Canadian inventors develop new tool to increase geothermal conductivity

Sept. 1, 2010 - PRLog -- While geothermal energy for heating and cooling homes is touted as the most efficient and environmentally-conscious method currently available, its efficiency is hindered when a conductive material is not used  in the borehole and around the geothermal loop. Getting this conductive material, called grout, into the space between the loops while holding it to the outside walls of the borehole has  been a challenge. In some instance no grout or poorly placed grout has been the norm.

Now, thanks to a Petrolia Ontario company, a new geothermal grouting tool allows conductive material to be added with a minimum of effort.

STS Mixers’ team of designers have created a geothermal grouting tool that allows grout to be easily added to a geothermal installation. Engineers have determined there can be up to 42 percent savings over the costs of installation without grout. The additional conductivity achieved by adding the geothermal grout may significantly lower the investment homeowners and businesses invest in an effective geothermal installation.

With STS Mixers’ Magnus geothermal grouting tool, the tool and loop are delivered into the vertical or horizontal borehole simultaneously. As the tool is retracted back to the entrance hole, the loop is kept in proper position as the tool distributes the grout in the void all the while mechanically forcing the drilling fluid and debris back out of the entrance hole. This achieves a fully grouted hole, excellent loop position, time and labour savings and increased efficiency of heat transfer.

“We had an engineer talk to us about the value of proper grouting in the geothermal installation process,” explained Mr. Woods, president of STS Mixers. “He explained that geothermal loops require exacting grout installation to save on the length of loop required. We took on the challenge of developing a tool that would make this easier for the installers for both commercial installations and those for homeowners.”

The Magnus Geothermal Grouting Tool is protected by a Patent Pending. For more information, contact the Sales Team at info@stsmixers.com or 1-800-567-0978. Information about this and other STS products can be found at http://www.stsmixers.com.

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Surface to Surface (STS) has made it their mission to produce best quality, innovative products for 15 years. Owner Roger Woods has 40 years experience in horizontal boring, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and micro-tunnelling. This experience in the needs of the HDD industry makes him the perfect person to lead a company and its product development for the HDD industry.

Surface to Surface Inc. was formed in 1993 to develop a product line for the HDD industry, including patented technology that improves the performance of any drill rig. With some of the most innovative features in the market, STS is capable of developing customized mixing units to meet the needs of clients worldwide.