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Fig. 1 | Geothermal Energy

Fig. 1

From: The influence of thermal treatment on rock–bit interaction: a study of a combined thermo–mechanical drilling (CTMD) concept

Fig. 1

Combined thermo–mechanical drilling. The combined thermo–mechanical drilling (CTMD) concept is based on thermally weakening the material prior to mechanical removal. The heat source (1), is protected by air shields (2) in the drilling fluid (3) environment at the drill bit. This allows the heat to reach the rock surface and thermally treat the material, which is then rapidly cooled down by the drilling fluid. Thereby, the weakened rock is finally removed by the cutter (4) which penetrates and drills the rock (5) with reduced effort. The drill bit moves from right to left in this illustration

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