Deep, high-pressure geothermal drilling — ready for the pressure loss
Designed depths beyond 1,500 m, with water from several zones on top of friction losses — we calculate the rated pressure from altitude and depth
Help me chooseTypical challenges
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Design depths over 1,500 m need far more pressure than ordinary holes
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Water from several zones adds back-pressure on top of friction loss
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At altitude, engines naturally lose power
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Complex conditions — selection depends heavily on experience
What compressed air does here
Driving the deep hammer
High-pressure air keeps the DTH hammer breaking rock down to design depth
Overcoming water back-pressure
Water-bearing zones need extra pressure margin
Lifting cuttings a long way
Friction losses over depth call for extra air to keep the hole clean
Recommended configuration
Typical hole size / depth / duty
Over 1,500 m
Recommended pressure & air delivery
Two-stage units above 30 bar, with pressure margin for changing water inflow
Recommended models
- CM755-40/30-43/20KView model ›
Results
No more cuttings problems from low pressure in the water-bearing sections; drilling pace stayed steady through the whole well (from a geothermal heating project in north China)
Recommendations
- Conditions are complex — use the Help me choose wizard or ask our engineers
- At altitude, apply the altitude derating factor
- Service intervals and parts lists by model are in the parts & service lookup
Geothermal drilling — FAQ
How is geothermal selection different from water wells?
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Geothermal wells are usually much deeper and water from several zones adds back-pressure, so the rated pressure must be recalculated for depth and water — the water-well approach can't be copied directly.
My job is unusual — can I talk to an engineer?
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Yes. For complex jobs such as geothermal, use the "Special case — talk to an engineer" option in the selection wizard.
Do I need to adjust for altitude?
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Yes. Diesel units lose power at altitude, so the air flow must be increased by the local altitude factor — the Help me choose wizard does this automatically.
E-guide · Free download
KayDrill Portable Compressor Selection Guide V3
Free download ›Complex application? Talk to an engineer
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