Vertical Loops
IF
the land available is limited, a vertical loop is installed for the geothermal
piping. Vertical installations might also be used where land is too rocky
for trenching, for existing buildings, or for large commercial facilities.
To install a vertical loop, a contractor will bore holes into the ground.
Long, hairpin-shaped loops of pipe are then inserted. The pipes are connected
to headers in a trench leading back to the building. The drilling depth
of 150 to 250 feet is average. Drilling boreholes for geothermal loops is
much simpler than drilling to find well water. The borehole is generally
smaller, which reduces drilling time, and no casing is required.
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