The effect of filter cake deposition on the hydraulic conductivity of boreholes

“Efficient construction and operation of borehole heat exchangers (BHEs) are essential in its contribution to the energy transition. In practice, implementation of BHE at larger scale requires low construction costs and high production rates. This requires small diameter drillings to reduce drilling and backfilling material costs, in which achieving a proper backfilling is a challenge. At present, there is an urgent need to improve the available techniques with more effectively and efficiently backfill methods for BHEs. In current Dutch practice, sealing (to prevent short-circuit flow between penetrated aquifers) is achieved by using either clay or grouts as backfilling materials, both have their pro’s and con’s. In optimisation of applying backfilling materials and methods, the filter cake, formed during the drilling procedure, also has a sealing capacity and is overlooked in addressing the sealing of the borehole.”

(Citation: Nijhof, R., van Lopik, J.H., Bloemendal, J.M. – The effect of filter cake deposition on the hydraulic conductivity of boreholes – EGU General Assembly 2021, online, 19–30 Apr 2021, EGU21-5456 – DOI: 10.5194/egusphere-egu21-5456 – (Open Access))

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