Cooling Systems for Borehole Tools

Abstract

Abstract:Since 2012 the work on a cooling system for borehole probes is going on at the IAI. It is supposed to allow the usage of standard electronics, as a first approach in borehole environments at 5 km depth, with 200 °C and 600 bar. Within ZWERG, the cooling system serves as base to realize different measurement operations without time limitations. Therefore it contains an insulation to reduce outer heat input, an active cooling system to cool down components which are sensitive to heat inside, like electronics, as well as a cooled room where the electronic can be installed. The first approach based on the example borehole in Soultz-sous-fôret, France (5 km, 200 °C) shall initiate further project in this field, with the perspective to conduct measurement operations in even hotter boreholes. Alternative methods of heat management in borehole probes investigated and developed at IAI, are high temperature electronics and PCM-systems.