Science & Technology: Successful Test of Deep Drilling Geothermal System

New Drilling Technology Could Drive Advances in America’s Geothermal Energy Industry (EERE/GTO)

Last month, Baker Hughes successfully directionally drilled with an innovative system in a deep geothermal well. In fact, the metal-to-metal motor operated for a continuous 270 hours – the longest time that a system like it has ever operated. 

"The Bulldog" by Andrew Tiedeman.
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Geothermal taps an immeasurable amount of energy lying deep beneath our feet, energy that is also renewable and nearly free of emissions. But because of the immense heat in the deep subsurface, conditions are sometimes difficult to work in. For example, engineers seeking to tap geothermal resources often encounter extreme temperatures, extreme pressures, and crystalline rock formations. That’s where highly advanced drilling technologies and techniques—pushing the envelope of what can be achieved in conventional drilling operations—come in.

To overcome these challenges, Baker Hughes Incorporated, a global oilfield services company, with investment from the Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO), developed and successfully demonstrated an advanced drilling system designed for these critical conditions. This technology can drill directionally at extremely high temperatures (~300°C). The system uses a high-temperature lubricant in the drilling fluid, a full metal drill bit to break the formation, and a full metal drilling motor known in the drilling industry as a “metal-to-metal motor”. Last month, Baker Hughes successfully directionally drilled with this innovative system in a deep geothermal well. In fact, the metal-to-metal motor operated for a continuous 270 hours – the longest time that a system like it has ever operated.

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