GHP SYSTEMS, INC.

   Manufacturer of Geothermal Wellfield Products

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GeoClips (U-bend Pipe Separators)

GeoClips

 

GHP Systems, Inc. is a proud OEM distributor of u-bend pipe separators called GeoClips.  GeoClips are the latest in geothermal technology designed to enhance your vertical heat exchanger (VHE) performance. 

Geothermal Borehole Resistance
A standard VHE installation has the two pipes that make up the u-bend pipe assembly that are either touching or are in close proximity of each other, thus interfering with each others ability to exchange energy with the earth.  These u-bend pipes are usually encased with a 20% solids bentonite grout (often required by State regulations) in order to seal the borehole to prevent contamination of water aquifers below ground.  Although the bentonite grout mixture is excellent for sealing the borehole, it has poor heat transfer characteristics and acts as an insulator restricting energy exchange between the u-bend pipes and the surrounding soil.  Recent technology has designed u-bend pipe separators, called GeoClips, that decreases borehole resistance, thereby significantly increasing the performance of a VHE and lowering the installation costs by shortening required VHE lengths. 

The diagram below illustrates how the energy flux of a VHE is affected by its configuration.  The first configuration uses no performance enhancing technology; therefore, the borehole resistance greatly inhibits the exchange of energy of the circulating fluid and the earth.  The energy flux increases significantly with the use of u-bend pipe separators in the second configuration.  An even greater increase in the capacity is gained by incorporating a thermally enhanced grout with the u-bend pipe separator as shown in the third borehole configuration.  A key point to consider is that there is a balance between the added cost of increasing VHE performance and the savings incurred by shortening the total VHE length.

Key Benefits of GeoClips:

  • Optimizes u-bend pipe placement within the borehole.
  • Eliminates negative effects of low thermal conductivity bentonite based grouts.
  • Provides maximum pipe separation within the borehole.
  • Reduces installation costs by shortening required VHE design lengths.

Independent Research:
The graph below illustrates results from a thermal conductivity test performed by Okalahoma State University.  This test verifies that there is a substantial increase in the heat transfer rate with GeoClip installations when compared to standard installations.

For additional information, including MSDS, product data sheets, or a price quote, please complete the information request form below or contact us at:

Telephone:  605-697-7869
FAX:  605-697-9118
Postal address:  1000 N 32nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57006
Electronic mail:  sales@ghpsystems.com