Our Services

When it comes to ground-source heat exchangers, GSI offers the industry complete service. It starts during the feasibility stage and continues through the warranted 50-year life of the bore field.

Bore field evaluation is the critical first step in developing a GeoExchange project and GSI is there to help. Not all potential applications for GeoExchange will work and a poor application, due to lack of proper due diligence, will hurt not only the owner and designer, but also the entire industry. It is therefore in GSI’s best interest to help determine the feasibility of a potential GeoExchange project before it is designed.

A test bore will determine what type of drilling equipment will be required, the penetration rate and give some indication of the thermal conductivity of the soil by the local geology. The importance of doing a test bore cannot be over emphasized, since knowing the geological and thermal characteristics of the soil is essential to the designer and installer of the earth heat exchanger.

Thermal conductivity testing (TCT) utilizes a grouted, looped test bore, and a special device that measures how effectively the indigenous geology will exchange BTU’s between the earth loop and the ground surrounding it. The factors developed in the TCT will help the designer accurately determine how many feet of ground loop will be required per ton and the bore spacing grid. These factors are prime in affecting the cost of a GeoExchange system.

Drilling, looping and grouting are the "stock and trade" of a looping contractor. GSI has multiple rig capabilities for rotary drilling in both consolidated and unconsolidated formations. Special techniques and equipment have been developed in the field over the years to ensure optimum drilling efficiency with minimal environmental impact. We also field state-of-the-art grouting systems capable of tremie-grouting, according to IGSHPA standards, with cementitious and bentonite-based grouts. Our crews are experienced and qualified to handle any situations that might arise in the field.

Bore field tie-in is a specialty with GSI. We not only have IGSHPA certified heat fusion technicians, but also qualified trainers who train other contractors. Our tie-in crews are fully equipped with the latest heat fusion equipment and are well versed in IGSHPA and tubing manufacturers’ procedures. GSI has worked with tie-in piping up to 12-inches in diameter, utilized central distribution vaults and run supply/return lines directly to the buildings. Our scope typically includes all exterior work needed in a geothermal bore field.

The flushing and filling of the earth heat exchanger is extremely critical to ensure efficient operation of a GeoExchange system. GSI have developed special purging systems to ensure proper testing and purging of the bore field and tie-in piping of foreign matter and entrapped air. We offer complete water or water/antifreeze flushing and filling of the bore field, interconnecting piping, and upon arrangement, the entire geothermal heat pump system.

Innovative financing for a GeoExchange project can be arranged through an "energy savings performance contract" or ESPC arrangement. The ESPC method of financing uses the verified operating savings, created by a new or upgraded system, over the present budget, to pay for the new system. GSI can bring financial partners to a qualified GeoExchange project to make these arrangements. (Since these projects are very site-specific, contact GSI for further information.) We can also facilitate grant money for a feasibility study.

Closeout and warranty must be done properly and accurately. The old adage "A project is not complete until the paperwork is done" has never been truer, than with a GeoExchange project. Since the exterior system is invisible after the project is complete and the heat exchanger has a rated life in the fifty-year range, accurate "as-built" drawings are essential for the safety of the bore field during future excavation. Warranty information, permits, test results and other appropriate records must be provided to the owner and occupier of the facility. GSI is meticulous in the completeness and accuracy of its closeout package and procedures. We care about our clients even after the bore fields are complete.

You have unified responsibility when Geothermal Services is on the job.