EP2281154A2

EP2281154A2 - Modular construction sensor base and components thereof

Info

Publication number: EP2281154A2
Application number: EP09733958A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rigo Lichtblau; Fabian Maier
Original assignee: Friatec AG
Current assignee: Friatec AG
Priority date: 2008-04-22
Filing date: 2009-04-20
Publication date: 2011-02-09
Also published as: WO2009129778A2; WO2009129778A3; DE102008057245A1

Abstract

A sensor base lower piece for the sensor base of a geothermal energy sensor, containing the deflector from a medium inlet to a medium return and with a housing for an adapter in which the medium inlet and medium return both open out and the corresponding adapter are disclosed. Mounting weights and means for leakage monitoring are disclosed as further components for a sensor base.

Description

Modular probe base and its components

The invention relates to a modular probe foot of a geothermal probe and its components.

Geothermal probes are used to exploit geothermal energy as a heat exchanger in the ground. A liquid medium is led via at least one inlet pipe to the probe foot, deflected there and guided over a return pipe out. The deflection takes place via a U-shape in the probe foot according to the following principles:

a) A direct deflection, in which a tube is formed at the lowest point of the probe foot to a U, an example of which shows the WO 03/078905 Al;

b) welding the pipe ends of inlet and return by means of a U-shaped piece, which ensures the deflection, this variant is described in EP 1 036 974 Bl.

The deflection at the probe foot is not only the mechanically most heavily loaded component of a geothermal probe, it is also the most demanding aerodynamic part of the probe foot.

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a probe foot, in which the deflection is designed to be efficient and flexible. This probe foot is to be used in geothermal probes designed according to a wide variety of principles, for example in single-circuit geothermal probes as well as in dual-circuit geothermal probes which are surface-optimized, and should include options for optionally being equipped for leak monitoring and for use in combination with setting weights.

This object is achieved according to the present invention in that a probe foot is constructed modularly, wherein the deflection is housed in an identical for all probe feet of a nominal size component, namely a probe foot base, and thus can be optimized fluidically, with only one mold is needed. The adaptation to the specific construction situation and applications then succeeds with the help of adapters.

Accordingly, a probe base for the probe foot of a geothermal probe, which includes the deflection of a medium inlet to a medium return, designed so that a receptacle is provided for an adapter, in which the media inlet and the media return open separately.

Preferably, the bottom part of the probe base has on its outer side a form-fitting surface with elevations and / or depressions which are arranged and designed in such a way that a structurally identical bottom part of the probe base with its form-fitting surface can be laid on the form-fit surface substantially precisely and thus a displacement of the two Probe bottom parts is prevented in the plane of the positive surface relative to each other.

A single probe foot base according to the present invention thus forms the basis for a single-circuit geothermal probe, two adjacent probe feet lower parts form the basis for a two-circuit geothermal probe. About the positive connection of the same probe foot bases is a shift to each other is no longer possible. A fuse can be made via an additional retaining ring surrounding both probe base parts. By introducing or integrating the retaining ring contour into a required setting weight, the creation of a two-circuit heating probe is combined with the assembly of the setting weight.

The shape of the bottom of the probe base allows the setting of the setting weight with retaining ring contour in a single-circuit geothermal probe. Here, the bottom part of the probe foot is pushed further into the retaining ring contour, which further leads to a centering of the single-circuit geothermal probe in the set weight. The introduction of the retaining ring contour in a set weight leads to a compact unit of setting weight and probe foot, which can have a positive effect on the removal. The assembly takes place on site or in the factory during assembly of the probes. Two-circuit geothermal probes, also referred to as duplex probes, are known, for example, from WO 2006/100014 A1. Although the individual probe end pieces described there are also geometrically intertwined, they are not identical. They are secured together by means of a bolt or a screw.

The form-fitting surface should extend substantially over the height and / or across the width of the probe foot base. Preferably, the contour of the positive-locking surface is substantially rectangular. Further preferably, the positive-locking surface has at least two elevations and / or depressions diametrically arranged with respect to a center of the positive-locking surface, which contact in the center according to a particular embodiment.

In order to protect the probe base against mechanical stress when introducing the geothermal probe into a borehole, an impact protection is provided below the receptacle, which may have a rib structure and / or may be formed from other damping materials, such as foam. Foamed polyurethane is particularly suitable as foam since it is pulse-damping but can also push away smaller obstacles, as described in WO 2006/100014 A1.

In the field of impact protection, a continuous bore is furthermore provided, by means of which a setting weight and / or a holder for a push rod or the like is to be attached. By introducing a disc with a corresponding passage on the receiving linkage, this can be used by the use of a holder in the single-circuit geothermal probe as a receptacle for both a push rod and set weights. Through the disc a possible rotation of the receiving link around its own axis is prevented even with the two-circuit ground probe by positive locking.

Further advantageously, the receptacle has at least one positioning element which clearly defines the position of the adapter. This can be designed as nose, rib, gutter, indentation or the like, a complementary feature can be found on the adapter. The recording is further adapted to the respective joining method with which the adapter is to be connected to the respective bottom of the probe foot. So it can have cylindrical areas for the electric welding. Alternatively, the receptacle for the gapless laser welding may be conical.

In particular, the bottom part of the probe base has the contour of the deflection and thus decisively determines the flow properties. Due to the largely open U-shape without undercut, it is possible with simple means, such as core adjustments, mechanical processing, etc., to optimize this outer surface fluidically. By introducing special shapes, for example flow obstacles, a turbulent or laminar flow can be generated in the bottom part of the probe base, which continues into the medium return and promotes good heat transfer to the medium.

With the modular design of probe foot base (s) and adapter, the installation space is reduced to a minimum. This is advantageously promoted by the shape in particular of the probe foot base. Thus, its width in the area of the impact protection is lower than in the area of the recording. Thus, there is sufficient space for the escape of air and sediment at the probe foot in the borehole during the introduction of the geothermal probe.

For this purpose, the cross-sectional area of the probe foot lower part is preferably substantially oval, semi-oval or rectangular, wherein the length of the main axis of the cross-section is approximately equal to twice the length of the minor axis. With this design, the compact design is achieved even with two-circuit geothermal probes.

In the region of the form-fitting surface, the bottom part of the probe foot can have a substantially semicircular groove running through in the vertical direction into which a receiving linkage for a push linkage, such as setting weights, is to be inserted. The groove may have radially projecting paragraphs, which introduce the forces occurring at the receiving link evenly in the probe foot lower part. Unlike in the prior art, for example, according to WO 2006/100014 Al, in which the thrust rod is inserted into a blind bore, in the present invention, the recording linkage is continuous, and abruptly occurring forces during impact and the forces through the sentence one Push rods are diverted directly into a set weight or into the soil, without burdening the probe foot.

To complete the construction of a probe foot, an adapter is placed in and connected to the receptacle of the probe foot base. Depending on the type of adapter, probe feet for simple single-circuit or dual-circuit geothermal probes, area-optimized single-circuit or dual-circuit geothermal probes with several tubes, as well as for probes with filling tube support can be formed.

Area optimized geothermal probes are disclosed in CH 687 043 A5. There it is executed, as by suitable choice of the cross-sectional areas of inlet pipes and return pipe, the flow rate and thus the residence time of the medium can be influenced. The use of multiple flow tubes favors heat absorption or heat dissipation because of the increased contact surface. By using the adapter according to the invention, these findings can be implemented for virtually any construction situation.

According to a variant of the present invention, the adapter has an insert on which a double sleeve is applied, wherein in each case a sleeve cup for the media inlet and a sleeve cup for the media return is provided. Each socket cup of the double socket can be provided with a heating coil for the connection of pipes. It is particularly preferred to guide the heating coil from a socket cup into the second socket cup via an overlapping region in which the socket cups adjoin one another. For the area optimization of inlet and return is provided according to a variant in that the adapter has an insert on which a double sleeve for the media inlet and a sleeve cup for the media return are applied. Depending on the operating mode (summer or winter operation), the flow direction can be operated in the opposite direction, this allows adaptation of the heat input or heat discharge surfaces depending on the operating mode of the geothermal probe. Again, the double sleeve may be provided with a connected heating coil, so that a simultaneous welding of the inlet pipes is possible. The sleeve cup for the media return can also have a heating coil, which is to apply separately with energy. According to an advantageous embodiment, the adapter has a holder for a filling pipe, wherein the filling pipe serves for introducing the required borehole filling and can be positioned in a defined manner. The socket cups have a cylindrical shoulder on the mouth of the cup for covering a possibly existing protective tube approach, which results in the preparation of a pipe with protective jacket for welding. Through this integrated heel the protection of the pipe is guaranteed also over the pipe ends and in the welding zone.

Probe base parts and adapters are preferably made of thermally conductive plastic, for example uncrosslinked or crosslinked! Polyethylene suitable strength classes, such as PE 100, PE 112 or PE 125, PEX or polypropylene produced and can thus be produced by injection molding. This makes it possible to produce probe feet for different pressure levels by simple changes in the injection core diameter and thus the wall thicknesses.

For the introduction of geothermal probes so-called set weights are used, which counteract any buoyancy and should bring the probe foot in its final position. For this purpose, the probe feet suspension options, such as eyelets, hooks and the like, on.

Depending on the type of geothermal probe and the substrate different weights setting weights are used. The known setting weights usually consist of a cylindrical solid rod made of steel, which has a corresponding receptacle for hanging on the probe foot.

However, this free suspension of the set weights on the probe foot, there is a risk that the probe foot jammed with the setting weight in the borehole. This danger is particularly present when the probe, as it is often necessary, must be partially raised during insertion. Moreover, in most cases the size, i. the weight of the set weight can only be determined on site when the drilling has been carried out and the final condition of the borehole is known.

In this case, the introduction of the probe is considerably simplified if the leading portion of the probe forms a rigid unit. Therefore, in practice, an approximately 1.5 m long rod, which is usually made of steel, is fixed directly to the probe foot between the probe tubes, thus providing the desired stiffening. The invention now provides setting weights with which an improved and safer rigid connection to the probe foot is possible. For this, a positive connection of the setting weight to the probe foot is ensured by the setting weight having a receiving tube into which the probe foot is to be inserted. This creates a rigid unit that facilitates the insertion of the probe into the wellbore. Furthermore, a tilting of the setting weight to the probe foot is no longer possible, which in turn prevents jamming of setting weight and probe foot in the borehole. At the same time, an additional protection of the probe foot is ensured, on the one hand by the covering by the receiving tube, in the further by the setting weight itself.

The setting weight itself is preferably made of a thin outer layer, which may consist of plastic according to a preferred embodiment. In this outer layer, for example by means of ring embossing a receiving tube is introduced, which is firmly connected to the thin outer layer. This connection can be done by a backfilling of the gap, but also via a welded joint. If the setting weight is to be used with a probe foot as described hereinbefore, the inner diameter of the receiving tube preferably corresponds to the outer diameter of the probe foot base or of the adjoining probe base parts, depending on whether a single circuit or a two-circuit geothermal probe is being set up should. A version made entirely of steel is also possible.

Thus, it is possible to insert the probe foot directly into the setting weight, thus ensuring a stable, tilt-proof connection. Depending on the type of probe foot, this can be inserted correspondingly deep into the receiving tube, regardless of whether a single-circuit or a two-circuit heating probe is set up. Often, a bore is provided in the bottom of the probe foot or lower portion of a conventional probe foot, which can now be used to insert a corresponding pin passed through the probe foot base and set weight, a unit of these two components form.

It can also be provided to provide the receiving tube with two or more holes, which have a different distance, so that different Ausführungsfor- a probe foot can be adjusted, for example, for the single-circuit or dual-circuit design.

It can be formed conically at its end opposite the probe foot, the setting weight to displace any obstacles in the well easier or to circumvent.

The idea of the modular design, which is essential in the design of the probe base parts according to the invention, can be transferred to the design of setting weights. Thus, it is advantageous to provide a variant of the setting weight available, which has a bore at the exposed end, so that another, appropriately designed setting weight can be plugged and fixed.

In principle, any number of setting weights can be rigidly connected in series with this principle by using intermediate pieces in which an inner diameter at the end corresponds to the outer diameter of the receiving tube, wherein the outer diameter should correspond at most to the outer diameter of the outer layer of the setting weight main body. In the terminology of the invention, a distinction should be made between "adapter setting weights", the intermediate pieces, and "final setting weights", which have a conically configured end.

Thus, a probe foot, such as that described above, is inserted and pinned into the receiving tube of an adapter seating weight. On the opposite side of the adapter setting weight, an intermediate piece is pushed and pinned, whereupon a further adapter setting weight inserted and can also be pinned. Other adapter setting weights can be placed and pinned accordingly with spacers. Finally, the final set weight is fixed. In order to achieve the stiffening, the entire set of setting weights could also be installed in a correspondingly long "intermediate piece", ie a cap sleeve. Thus, with this modular structure, any desired unit can be constructed from setting weights.

The weight of the individual components can be adjusted by filling the bodies with appropriate material, such as iron or barite. It turned out to be advantageous provides this filling with concrete to shed and thus ensure the fate of the filling in the mold and the stabilization of any existing imprints. An execution with other materials, such as steel, reinforced concrete, etc., is also possible.

The outer layer of plastic acts as a damping element, which is particularly advantageous when transporting the weights. In addition, damage to the probe foot is excluded by any hard edges.

This can be created by simple means a unit that is tailored to the requirements of the borehole due to the modular design of the setting weights on site. Due to the positive connection to the probe foot and the connection of the setting weights with each other creates a rigid unit of probe foot and set weights, which greatly simplifies the insertion of the probe into the wellbore and bowing a jamming of the probe foot downhole.

Another problem with the installation of geothermal probes is the risk of contamination of the substrate on a large scale by the heat transfer medium, which also consists of the depth of the facilities outside of water protection areas. Pipe systems are present in the market which, with the aid of a continuous conductive layer, for example of aluminum, can detect a violation of an outer protective layer by monitoring the electrical potential. Such a tube is usually constructed as a three-layer tube, consisting of the pressure tube as the inner layer, the monitoring layer and the already mentioned outer protective layer. These piping systems are used in standard installations in water protection areas and in sensitive media.

To enable the use of such piping systems in geothermal probe applications, a probe foot is needed which can make a tight electrical connection of two or more conductive layers.

To this end, the invention provides for probe feet, for example those described above, to provide a further joining zone per tube end. With this additional joining zone is the outer protective layer is tightly welded to the probe body. In the free space between the joining zone of the outer protective layer and the joining zone of the inner pressure tube, the conductive middle layer is contacted. Directly over the contact element, for example via protected conductors, another contact of one or more protective layers can be short-circuited. This short circuit of the protective layers generates an electrical monitoring circuit necessary for the leakage monitoring.

By a sprung contact, it is possible to ensure a permanent contact with the conductive layer by simply inserting the pre-treated pipe ends.

In this case, the spring property can be ensured by the shape and a correspondingly selected material of the contact element. Also, an embodiment is conceivable in which a separate spring is provided.

This makes it possible to detect damage to the outer protective tube during probe insertion as well as during operation of the system. In particular, online monitoring of the protective layer can now take place during direct operation of the system.

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Showing:

Figure Ia is a perspective view of a probe foot base according to the present invention;

FIG. 1 b shows a perspective view of the probe foot lower part from FIG. 1, in which the positive-locking surface can be seen;

FIG. 1 c shows a perspective view of the receiving link, Figure Id is a perspective view of the probe foot base with an inserted recording linkage;

Figure 2a is a perspective view of two probe base parts according to the present invention, which are arranged to construct a probe foot of a two-circuit geothermal probe;

FIG. 2b shows a perspective view of the assembled probe base parts from FIG. 2a;

3a shows a perspective view of an adapter for the probe foot of a single-circle geothermal probe;

3b shows a perspective view of an adapter for the probe foot of a single-circle geothermal probe with area optimization;

Figure 3c is a perspective view of an adapter with Verfüllrohrhalter;

Figure 4a is a perspective view of a probe foot according to the present invention for a single-circuit geothermal probe;

Figure 4b is a perspective view of an optimized probe foot for a single-circuit geothermal probe;

Figure 5a is a perspective view of a probe foot according to the present invention for a two-circuit geothermal probe;

Figure 5b is a perspective view of an optimized probe foot of a dual-circuit geothermal probe; Figure 6a is a perspective view of a probe base for a single-circuit geothermal probe and an end-setting weight according to the present invention;

Figure 6b, the interconnected components of Figure 6a in perspective view;

Figure 7a is a perspective view of a probe foot of a dual-circuit geothermal probe and a final setting weight according to the present invention;

FIG. 7b is a perspective view of the assembled components of FIG. 7a;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an adapter-setting weight according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an adapter setting weight and an end setting

Setting weight according to the present invention before assembly;

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a piping system enabling leakage monitoring;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a probe foot base with an additional joining zone for the protective layer of a pipe system according to Figure 9;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view and a perspective view, respectively, of leakage monitoring piping systems to be inserted into a probe base, for example according to the present invention, together with detailed views illustrating the location of a contact element; FIG. 13 shows the insertion of a pipe system over the contact area of the joining zone for the pressure pipe, the installation of the contact element being shown on the conductive layer;

FIG. 14 shows the introduction of the second pipe system beyond the joining zone for the protective pipe, so that now the contact element establishes the connection between the conductive layer of the first pipe system and the second pipe system;

FIG. 15 shows a probe foot for a two-circuit geothermal probe in area-optimized design with adjoining pipelines;

16 shows a probe foot for a two-circuit geothermal probe in area-optimized design with partially illustrated, subsequent piping; and

FIG. 17 shows an example of a probe foot for a two-circuit geothermal probe in surface-optimized design with subsequent piping designed for optimum efficiency.

FIG. 1a shows a probe base 10 according to the present invention, which forms the basis for the construction of a probe foot of a geothermal probe. The probe base 10 has a substantially parallelepiped-like structure, in the upper region of a receptacle 12 is provided for an adapter. The probe foot lower part 10 tapers from the receptacle 12 to form an impact protector 14, which extends approximately over half the height of the probe foot lower part 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the impact protector 14 consists of a plurality of horizontally extending ribs 16 and a plurality of vertically extending ribs 18, which together form a structure which not only allows the safe insertion of the probe foot under harsh site conditions, but also blows, which by introducing the probe caused by the set weight or scree and the like, compensated. Above the impact protection 14, a semi-annular collar 26 is provided, the function of which will be explained in more detail in connection with FIGS. 5a and 5b. On the transition region of the receptacle 12 and the half-collar 26 are deflectors 15 which the pressure range of the deflection of the probe foot during insertion protect and divert possible disabilities. In the central region of the impact protection of the probe foot base 10 is a transverse through bore 20, can be fixed in the setting weights, receiving linkage or a special holder for a push rod. At the end of the probe foot lower part snap hooks 19 are mounted on both sides whose function in connection with the figures 5a and 5b is also explained in more detail

FIG. 1b shows the probe foot lower part 10 of FIG. 1a in a perspective view, in which details of the receptacle 12 for an adapter and a form-locking surface 30 can be better seen. The oval receptacle 12 has on its inside a nose 22, which clearly defines the position of the adapter to be used. In order to hold the adapter in the receptacle 12 firmly, the inner surfaces of the receptacle 12 may be prepared, for example, for the Heizwendelschweißen.

The positive-locking surface 30 is located on the side of the probe foot lower part 10 opposite the impact protector 14. The positive-fit surface 30 is divided into four rectangular regions 32, 34, 36, 38, the regions 32, 38 being located opposite the regions 34, 36 the regions 34, 36 form cuboid elevations from the plane defined by the regions 32, 38. The elevations 34, 36 and the recesses 32, 38 are provided for reasons of material savings with a hole structure. The illustrated embodiment shows two with respect to the center of the form-fitting surface diametrically opposite elevations 34, 36 and depressions 32, 38 which lie in the center together. There are also embodiments with a different number of surveys and / or wells conceivable, it only needs to be ensured that a structurally identical probe foot lower part with its form-fitting surface is fitted accurately and move safe. In the form-fitting surface 30, a substantially semicircular groove 40 is further formed, in which a plurality of radially projecting shoulders 42 projects. In the survey 36, a circular omission 45 is introduced, which receives the rotation of the receiving link 50.

Figure Ic shows a continuous receiving linkage 50. The receiving linkage 50 has a plurality of retaining grooves 52, which allow a uniform division of the resulting forces by push rod and setting weight in the probe foot. At the top End of the Aufhahmegestänges 50 is a receptacle 54 is provided for a push rod, which is a thread for receiving an adapter or the adapter itself depending on the version. At the lower end of the receiving link 50 is a receptacle 56 for a set weight, which is designed as a thread, hook or eye. In the lower region of the receiving link 50 is a disc 57, which is fixedly connected to the linkage and represents an anti-rotation. Through the opening of the disc, which corresponds to the bore 20 fasteners for weight or push rods can be used without removing the receiving rod 50. When used as a single-circuit probe, the receiving rod 50 can be securely connected to the probe base 10 via the disc with the aid of a fastening element.

Figure Id shows how in this groove 40, a continuous receiving linkage 50 is inserted. The receiving rod 50 has a plurality of retaining grooves 52 which correspond to the radially projecting shoulders 42 in the groove 40 (Figure Ib).

FIG. 2a shows how two probe base parts 10, 10 'are assembled to form a probe base of a probe foot for a two-circuit geothermal probe. The form-fitting surfaces 30, 30 'correspond exactly. The linkage 50 inserted into the retaining grooves 40, 40 'is held by the form-locking surfaces 30, 30'. The positive connection prevents displacement of the two probe base parts 10, 10 'against each other. The result is shown in FIG. 2b. The two probe base parts 10, 10 'are secured together by an additional retaining ring, described in connection with FIGS. 5a and 5b, which is placed around the two probe base parts 10, 10'.

Figure 2b also shows more clearly the embodiment of the receptacle 12 with extending in the height direction of the nose 22 and a sleeve collar 24, which is designed as a circumferential contact surface for the adapter in a defined insertion depth of the receptacle 12. The half-collar 26 on the bottom part of the probe base 10 has its correspondence in a half-round collar 26 'on the bottom part of the probe foot 10' added to a collar on which a retaining ring 80 (Figures 5a, 5b) comes to rest.

FIG. 3a shows a perspective view of an adapter 60 to be inserted into the receptacle 12 (FIG. 1a) of a probe base 10 according to the present invention. To For example, the adapter 60 has an insert piece 62, which in its outer contours corresponds to the inner contours of the receptacle 12. In particular, the insert 62 includes a recess in which the nose 22 of the receptacle 12 engages. On the insert 62 sits a double sleeve with two sleeve cups 63, 64, which receive the tubes for the media inlet and media return. The tubes can be connected inextricably and fluid-tight manner with the double sleeve 63, 64, for example by means of the electrofusion welding technique. The possibly provided heating coil are welded via contacts 65, 66 which extend in the axial direction in order to generate no additional interference surfaces in the direction of insertion. The double sleeve 63, 64 preferably shows a shoulder in the respective sleeve cup into which protective tube layers can optionally be accommodated. This overlap ensures protection of the media pipe even in the welding zone.

The result of the optimized deflection in the bottom part of the probe base 10 is that the double sleeve 63, 64 brings the tube ends together at a spatial minimum so that the corresponding sleeve cups abut one another in the middle region. At this overlapping point 67, an area is created in which the two heating coils of the welding zones in the double sleeve can be connected in the upper, non-pressure-loaded area by means of a connecting groove 69. Thus, it is possible to weld both pipe ends in one step with the respective sleeve cup.

Figure 3b shows an adapter for a probe foot of a single-circuit geothermal probe, which is surface optimized, namely in that for receiving the media tubes, a triple sleeve is provided, consisting of a double sleeve 73, 74 with a smaller inner diameter for the media feed / return and a sleeve cup 75 is formed with a larger inner diameter for the media return / flow and is arranged on an insert. This design optimizes the surface, which contributes significantly to heat transfer. By distributing the volume flow from a pipe into two or more pipes with the same or a similar total flow area, but with different pipe diameters, the peripheral area and thus the heat exchange area are drastically increased, so that the efficiency of the geothermal probe increases. Depending on the mode of action - cooling or heating - the flow direction of the medium can be adjusted. All sleeve cups 73, 74, 75 may be provided with heating coils, wherein the leadership of the heating wires in the double sleeve 73, 74 may be analogous to that described for the double sleeve 63, 64 in Figure 3a. Thus, while the pipes for the media feed can be welded together, a separate weld for the pipe for the media return is required. Again, the contacts 76, 77 and 78, 79 are guided in the axial direction, so that no additional interference surfaces are generated.

FIG. 3c shows a variant of an adapter in which a cup 68, partially or completely opened, with integrated holding device, for example a heating coil, is attached to the double sleeve 63, 64. This makes it possible to attach and define a filling pipe for introducing the required borehole filling.

FIG. 4 a shows a probe foot for a single-circuit geothermal probe, which has been produced by combining a probe foot lower part according to FIG. 1 a with an adapter 60 according to FIG. 3 a. The adapter is placed with its insert 62 in the receptacle 12 of the probe base 10 and connected there with this, for example by Heizwendelschweißen, heating element socket welding or laser welding. The probe foot 10 can then be equipped as usual with the receiving rod 50 and set weights. FIG. 4b shows the variant in which an adapter 70 according to FIG. 3b is inserted into the bottom part of the probe foot according to FIG.

FIG. 5a shows a probe foot of a two-circuit geothermal probe, in which first two single-circle geothermal probes according to FIG. 4a are joined together, as shown in FIG. 2b. The probe base parts 10, 10 ', which include a receiving linkage 50 between them, are secured by means of a retaining ring 80, which is placed in the region of the impact protection 14 around the probe base parts 10, 10'. By means of suitable snap hook 19 unintentional stripping of the retaining ring 80 is prevented. Since the joining direction of the retaining ring 80 is in the insertion direction of the probe foot, the retaining ring 80 is pressed into the solidly executed end position. Thus, the retaining ring 80 acts as an additional protective tube. Between the cuboid probe foot 10 and the retaining ring 80 in turn arise openings through which air and sediment can escape during the introduction of the probe foot. FIG. 5b shows the variant in which two single-circuit geothermal probes according to FIG. 4b are combined. are added. In the resulting surface-optimized two-circuit geothermal probe, it is possible to unite the two media tubes in the sleeve cups 75 and 75 'above the probe foot to form a tube by means of a Y-piece and to further improve the area ratios and costs. Further details on the area optimization of the further from the probe foot pipe plant are described in connection with Figures 15 to 17.

FIG. 6a shows an end setting weight which is used here together with a probe foot according to the embodiment, for example according to FIG. 4a. The probe foot has a receptacle 102 which is designed such that at least a lower region of the probe base can be used. The probe foot can then be fixed by means of a pin (not shown), which is provided by bores in the final setting weight 100 or in the probe foot. In order to facilitate insertion into the substrate, the end 104 of the end-setting element opposite the receiving tube 102 is conically shaped. FIG. 6b shows the components in the assembled state.

FIG. 7a shows a corresponding illustration for a single-circuit probe system, which is designed, for example, according to FIG. 5a. Again, the probe foot is simply inserted into the receptacle 102 of the end insertion weight 100. Since the single-circuit probe system is centered in the rear area of the bottom of the probe foot in the setting weight absorption, the weight is fixed at the lower hole. FIG. 7b shows the component in the assembled state.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an adapter set weight 100 'according to the present invention. Here, the receiving tube 102 opposite end 106 is formed such that it can be inserted via an intermediate piece in the receiving tube 102 of a further adapter setting weight or a final setting weight.

Figure 9 illustrates the modular design that is possible with the adapter placement weights 100 'and an end placement weight 100 according to the present invention. The two components are rigidly connected to each other via an intermediate piece 108. FIG. 10 shows in a longitudinal sectional view the structure of a pipe system which is suitable for leakage monitoring. An internal pressure tube 200 is surrounded by a conductive layer 202, which may be made of aluminum, for example. This conductive layer 200 is protected by a plastic protective layer 204.

Figure 11 shows an adapter according to Fig. 3a, which has been adapted to receive a pipe system according to the figure 10. In addition to a joining zone 210 for the pressure tube 200, a joining zone 212 for the protective layer is provided in each sleeve cup. The joining zones 210 and 212 are separated by a step or step 216. This overlap ensures protection of the media pipe even in the joining zone / welding zone. The area between the media inlet and the media return is bridged by a contact element 214.

FIGS. 12 to 14 show a sequence of steps with which the prerequisites for leakage monitoring in a geothermal probe system are created. First, media feed / media return pipe systems 200, 200 'are prepared by partially removing the protective layer 204 so that the conductive layer 202 is exposed (see also Fig. 10) and inserted into an adapter, for example as shown in Fig. 11 , It is understood that leakage monitoring can also be used with other probe feet, provided that they offer the possibility that the protective layer and the pressure tube can be connected reliably. Then, one of the tube systems 200, 200 ', either for the media inlet or for the media return, inserted so far into the corresponding adapter opening or the opening of another probe foot that the contact element 214 contacts the conductive layer 202. This situation is shown in FIG. Subsequently, the other pipe system is inserted accordingly, so that now the contact element 214 forms an electrical bridge between the protective layer of both pipe systems. Subsequently, protective layers and pressure pipes in the joint zones 212 and 210 of the adapter can be welded, for example, whereby, depending on the circumstances, the pipe systems are welded individually or simultaneously in the corresponding joint zones. The finished ground probe is shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 shows a probe foot according to FIG. 5b with connected tube plant. In order to increase the efficiency of the geothermal probe, the surfaces that are decisive contribute to the heat emission or heat input, be optimized. This is done by distributing the volume flow from one pipe to two or more pipes that have the same or a similar total flow area as the outlet pipe but have different pipe diameters. Due to the small pipe diameter, the circumferential area of the pipes and thus the heat exchange surface are drastically increased, so that the efficiency of the geothermal probe increases. Depending on the desired mode of action - cooling or heating - the flow direction can be adjusted. In particular, Figure 15 shows a probe foot according to Figure 5b, in which the adapters 70, 70 'are each designed so that they two tubes 310, 312; 310 ', 312', whose diameter is smaller compared to a third tube 314, 314 ', which is also received in the adapter, the radius being selected so that the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the tubes 310, 312; 310 ', 312' is equal to or approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the tubes 314; 314 'is.

In some construction situations, it may be desirable to have only one return pipe. For this purpose, it is basically possible to provide a corresponding insert, which connects two probe base parts together to bundle the streams in an outgoing pipe. However, this variant requires very expensive injection molding tools and, moreover, counteracts the modular principle according to the invention.

A solution compatible with the principles of the present invention is shown in FIG. In this case, a probe foot 300 according to FIG. 5b is used in surface-optimized design. From the corresponding sleeves of the adapter 70, 70 ', the tubes 314, 314' are led out with a large cross-section. At a certain distance from the adapters, a standard Y-piece 320 known, for example, from EP 1 036 974 B1 is used, which merges the two tubes 314, 314 'with a large cross-section to a further-extending tube 322 with a correspondingly enlarged cross-section. This simple design, the surface ratios of flow / return can be optimized, further can be dispensed with a (continuing) pipe, which reduces the cost and effort in the introduction of the geothermal probe.

Finally, FIG. 17 shows the completely constructed geothermal probe, in which, in addition to the pipes 314, 314 'with a large cross-section, which continue to be used as a pipe 322 via the integrated Y-piece 320. are guided, including the tubes 310, 312; 310 ', 312' are connected to the probe foot 300 with a smaller cross-section via the adapters 70, 70 '.

The present invention provides numerous variants of a probe foot available, which can be assembled on site or factory without tools. Due to the "modular system", the probe foot can be provided with the appropriate adapter piece as a transition, depending on the application and intended use.

The set weights and leakage monitoring may also be used with probe feet other than those described herein, optionally after adjustments have been made thereto.

The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, in the drawing and in the claims may be essential for the realization of the invention both individually and in any desired combination.

Claims

claims

1. Probe foot of a geothermal probe, with

at least one bottom of the probe base, which contains the deflection of a media inlet to a media return and which has a receptacle (12) for an adapter (60, 70), in which the media inlet and the media return open separately from each other; and

at least one adapter (60, 70) which sits in or above the receptacle (12) of a respective probe base and is connected to this fluid and pressure-tight;

wherein the adapter (60, 70) has at least one sleeve for the media feed and at least one sleeve for the media return.

2. probe foot lower part in a probe foot according to claim 1, characterized in that the probe foot lower part (10) on its outer side a form-fitting surface (30) with elevations (34, 36) and / or depressions (32, 38), the are arranged and designed so that an identical probe foot base (10 ') with its form-fitting surface substantially accurately on the form-fitting surface (30') is to be placed and that thus a displacement of the two probe base parts (10, 10 ') prevented relative to each other is.

3. probe foot lower part according to claim 2, characterized in that extending the positive surface (30) substantially over the height and / or over the width of the Sondenfuß- lower part (10).

4. probe bottom part according to claim 2, characterized in that the outline of the positive-locking surface (30) is substantially rectangular.

5. probe foot base according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the form-fitting surface has at least two with respect to a center of the form-locking surface diametrically arranged elevations (34, 36) and / or recesses (32, 38).

6. probe bottom part according to claim 5, characterized in that the form-fitting surface has two in the center-contacting, cuboid elevations (34, 36) and / or depressions (32, 38).

7. probe foot base in a probe foot according to claim 1, characterized in that below the receptacle (12) an impact protection (14) is provided.

8. probe bottom part according to claim 7, characterized in that the impact protection is a rib structure, in particular a grid-like rib structure (16, 18).

9. probe foot lower part according to claim 7, characterized in that the impact protection (14) is formed from foam.

10. probe base in a probe foot according to claim 1, characterized in that in the region of the impact protection (14) has a through bore (20) is provided by means of a setting weight and / or a holder for a push rod or the like.

11. probe foot lower part in a probe foot according to claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle (12) has at least one positioning element (22) which determines the position of the adapter (60, 70) clearly.

12. Probe base in a probe foot according to claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle (12) has cylindrical areas for the electric welding or for the heating element socket welding.

13. probe base in a probe foot according to claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle (12) is designed conically for the laser welding.

14. Probe base in a probe foot according to claim 1, characterized in that the exposed surface of the deflection has flow obstacles, which produce a laminar or a turbulent flow.

15. Probe base according to claim 7, characterized in that its width in the region of the impact protection (14) is less than in the region of the receptacle (12).

16. probe base in a probe foot according to claim 1, characterized in that its cross-sectional area is substantially oval, semi-oval or rectangular, wherein the length of the major axis is approximately equal to twice the length of the minor axis.

17. Probe bottom part according to claim 2, characterized in that in the region of the form-locking surface (30) has a running in the vertical direction, substantially semicircular groove (40) into which a receiving link (50) is to be inserted.

18. Probe base according to claim 17, characterized in that the groove (40) has radially projecting shoulders (42).

19. An adapter in a probe foot according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an insert piece (62) on which a double sleeve (63, 64) is applied, wherein in each case a sleeve cup for the media inlet and a sleeve cup for the media return is provided.

20. An adapter in a probe foot according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an insert piece (22) on which a double sleeve (72, 74) for the media feed / return and a sleeve cup (76) is applied for the media return / feed.

21. An adapter according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that each sleeve cup of a double sleeve (63, 64; 73, 74) is provided with a heating coil for the connection of pipelines.

22. An adapter according to claim 21, characterized in that the heating coil of a sleeve cup (63; 73) over an overlap region (67; 77) in which the sleeve cups adjoin one another, in the second sleeve cup (64; 74) is guided.

23. An adapter in a probe foot according to claim 1, characterized by a shoulder (216) in the respective sleeve cup, in which optionally protective layers of a pipe system (200, 200 ') can be accommodated.

24. An adapter in a probe foot according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a holder (68) for a filling pipe.

25. Probe foot according to claim 1, constructed for a single-circuit geothermal probe, consisting of only one probe foot base (10, 10 ') and an adapter (60, 70).

26. probe foot according to claim 1, constructed for a two-circuit geothermal probe, consisting of a first probe foot base (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 18 and a second probe foot base (10 ') according to any one of claims 2 to 18, wherein the first and the second probe base (10, 10 ') with their respective form-fitting surface (30, 30') abut each other and are secured together with a surrounding retaining ring (80).

27. probe foot according to claim 26, characterized in that the first and the second probe foot lower part (10, 10 ') a receiving link (50) partially enclose.

28. probe foot according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that in the receptacle of the first and the second probe base (10, 10 ') an adapter according to one of claims 20 to 24 is inserted.

29, setting weight, in particular for use with a probe foot according to one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that it comprises an elongated base body, the first end of which has a receptacle (102) at least for the lower portion of a probe foot, the lower portion of the Probe foot at least partially encloses.

30. setting weight according to claim 29, characterized in that the second end (104) is tapered.

31. Setting weight according to claim 29, characterized in that the second end is provided with a receptacle (106) for direct or indirect coupling of a further setting weight.

32. Modular setting weight, with a setting weight according to claim 31 and at least one setting weight according to claim 31, which are coupled together via one or more intermediate pieces (108).