Oversize cellar cast to house lower well head sections for Habanero 2
Dimensions:
- 3050mm wide
- 4400mm long
- 2900mm high
- Approx. wieght: 18 ton
Paringa firm creating new energy
By NICK DILLON
A Paringa concreting firm have been contracted to assist with the construction of a ground-breaking facility that aims to create a new natural energy source. A plan to use geothermic energy in the north-east of SA is under way, and if successful, it will be used as an alternative to nuclear energy.
Hytek Concrete Products normally produce concrete cellars, but were asked by Geodynamics Limited to build a concrete well to assist in the geothermal process. Hytek owner Robbie Johnson said on Friday he was more than happy to help.
"Geodynamics rang us up and asked us to make one to their specifications," Mr Johnson said. "They looked everywhere in Adelaide but couldn't find anyone to do it.
"One of our competitors actually recommended us. We used our normal mould but had to make extensions to get it to the size they wanted". The well is 4.1 metres long, 2.7 metres wide and three metres high. The geothermal process involves drilling 4-5km below the earth's surface where there is a large mass of hot granites.
The technology involves pumping water down to the hot granite layer of the earth's surface and returning it under pressure at a temperature of more than 200 degrees Celsius. The heat from this water is then transferred to another pipe where the water is converted to vapour and used to spin a turbine.
The Paringa produced concrete well will be used to house the machinery at ground level. It is due to be transported to Innamincka near the South Australia-Queensland border, next Monday.
The above article was featured in the Murray Pioneer on 28 April 2004.
