Ground Source Heating - Pipe Installation

Sometimes referred to as "Geothermal" , the ground source heat pump (GSHP) is becoming the most common system to be installed in Northern Europe.

Basic description of the component parts of a GSHP system:


1. The heat collector: Usually a closed loop of plastic pipe containing a Glycol Antifreeze solution. This pipe is buried in the ground in vertical bore holes or horizontal trenches. The trenches are about 1.5 to 2m below the surface and require a large area to be excavated. When using boreholes far less area is required although boreholes must be a minimum of 5m apart.

2.  A heat pump unit: Approximately the size of a small fridge this is the part of the system that harnesses the collected heat energy from the ground. Your heat pump will convert the few degrees gained from the ground into a more useable 45-50 degrees for your heating system and occasionally hot water. The heat pump requires an electrical supply to operate.

3. The heat distribution system: This is either underfloor heating pipes or conventional radiators of large area connected via normal water pipes.

Having had your heating requirements assessed by a reputable heat pump installer you will know the total length of collector required for your system and whether boreholes will be the best solution for the installation. Our team of in house geological engineers will then assess the likely ground conditions at your site and we will suggest the most practical way of installing the collectors into the borehole or boreholes and will visit your site if necessary. At this stage we may suggest altering the number of holes to achieve a suitable drill depth for the conditions. We can then provide you with a quotation.

 
Our quotation will be based on using one of our fleet of Pioneer drilling rigs that are capable of drilling to in excess of 100m at 140mm diameter. More common drill depths are between 50 and 80m and our emphasis is on the quality of our service. Despite their impressive capability our rigs are small and maneuverable allowing us to install systems where there is limited space or access restrictions.  We have over 45 years experience in the drilling industry and have been installing GSHP systems in boreholes throughout the UK for over 18 months. We will aim to drill the boreholes and install the pipe work with as little disruption to you and your site as possible by using the latest drilling and flush control techniques. Upon installation the pipe work will be pressure tested to insure its integrity before being grouted in place from the base of the hole upwards with our specialist ground loop grouting equipment. The pipe will then be terminated 1m above ground and capped ready for your installer to connect up to the heat pump.

Please contact Chris Jones for further information.

A very useful website for Information and publications is that of the Ground Source Heat Pump Assocation 

Additional information for creating healthy and ecological homes and buildings may be found in the: Green Building Press 

 

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GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP ASSOCIATION