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| Atlas Copco has teamed up with Sandia National Laboratories to develop a DTH hammer capable of drilling geothermal boreholes in temperatures as high as 572 degrees Fahrenheit. Source: Sandia National Laboratories |
Geothermal energy has the potential to play an important role in increasing the production of energy from renewable sources in the U.S. and a new drilling tool could help the nation meet renewable energy goals quicker.
A percussive down-the-hole (DTH) hammer has been developed with the ability to withstand the high temperatures of geothermal drilling. The unique drilling tool is the result of a Department of Energy (DoE) funded research and development project that aims to lower the costs associated with bringing geothermal energy to consumers. The DoE contracted Atlas Copco, which subcontracted Sandia National Laboratories, based in Albuquerque, N.M.
