Jet Turbodrill

Patent Pending

Drilling rate of penetration is a key cost consideration for geothermal wells, which must be drilled in hard crystalline rock at extreme temperatures.

The 1-11/16" jet turbodrill is designed for operation on 1-1/2" coiled tubing with a 2" diameter bit.  The tool operates at ultrahigh rotary speed with a jet-assisted diamond bit to provide high penetration rates in hard crystalline rock.  The tool incorporates proprietary high-temperature seals and bearings for reliable and efficient operation in this demanding environment.  

The operating parameters are:
 
  Flow rate:  125 lpm  (33 gpm)
  Maximum Operating Pressure: 35 MPa (5000 psi)
  Jet Hydraulic Power:  60 kW (75 hhp)
  Mechanical Power Output:  6 kW (8 shp)
  Rotary Speed:  6000 rpm
  Maximum temperature:  260 C (500 F)
  Fluid compatibility:  water, solvents, gas or two-phase

Applications

The prototype tool is designed for exploratory drilling and for lateral drilling in support of enhanced geothermal systems.  

This development is being funded as part of a 2008 Phase I SBIR grant from the U.S Department of Energy.  In Phase II, Tempress plans to develop a 6-1/2" diameter motor for primary geothermal well development.