horizontal loops
Last Post 31 Dec 2007 09:48 PM by geodean. 8 Replies.
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SoonerStackerUser is Offline
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29 Dec 2007 09:17 PM

I was hoping someone could give me some info on how many feet of loop per ton for a horizontal loop install.  Here in Oklahoma we have good ole red clay.  What else would determine loop length?  I will be using ClimateMaster tt27s with a need of just under 5 tons of heat and just under 4 tons of cooling. 

Thanks for any info.

Russ

Palace GeothermalUser is Offline
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29 Dec 2007 09:33 PM
are you thinking of a slinky loop, a two pipe trench or a four pipe trench,

you can see the types here

http://www.alliantenergygeothermal.com/stellent2/groups/public/documents/pub/geo_how_001212.hcsp#P23_1805
Dewayne Dean

<br>www.PalaceGeothermal.com<br>Why settle for 90% when you can have 400%<br>We heat and cool with dirt!<br>visit- http://welserver.com/WEL0114/- to see my system
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29 Dec 2007 09:54 PM

OK!!!!

More options on horizontal than I was aware of.  I had planned on doing a single pipe install.  However I will be doing the labor involved in running the loops so I can use which ever option I chose.  That being said I have no idea which is better or makes more sense or the cost break outs.  Less trenching less rental days!!  But does slinky pipe cost more??

Thanks

Russ

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30 Dec 2007 12:33 AM
With a four pipe trench it is usually one 500' loop per ton. You use less pipe than a slinky, but you have to dig more trench. The loops need to connected in a parallel reverse return manifold. This is critical.

Are you using a backhoe or trencher?
Dewayne Dean

<br>www.PalaceGeothermal.com<br>Why settle for 90% when you can have 400%<br>We heat and cool with dirt!<br>visit- http://welserver.com/WEL0114/- to see my system
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30 Dec 2007 06:10 PM

In a 500' loop.....is that 250' trench and 500' pipe or 500' trench and pipe?

Does a slinky loop exchange heat as good as a 4 pipe or single?

I will rent either a backhoe or trencher whichever I need?

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30 Dec 2007 08:57 PM
A 500' loop means 500' of pipe. A two pipe trench would be 250' long, a four pipe would be 125' of trench or 250' long with two loops in the same trench. The area available for trenching dictates which way to go. A four pipe is the best use of resources as long as you can dig 6' deep. If you can only dig 4' deep then you have to use a two pipe trench. With slinkies, you have to use twice as much pipe. You would only choose slinky if you ground space was limited.

A back hoe is what you need for either four pipe, two pipe or slinky.

Are you able to fuse pipe?

Do you have a pump powerful enough to flush the system after you install it. Any air left in the loop will block the water flow and keep that loop from exchanging heat with your heat pump.

The loops need to be tied together in parallel not series. Series will not work. Make sure you understand this concept or your system will not work.
Dewayne Dean

<br>www.PalaceGeothermal.com<br>Why settle for 90% when you can have 400%<br>We heat and cool with dirt!<br>visit- http://welserver.com/WEL0114/- to see my system
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31 Dec 2007 01:47 AM

I'm on 10 acres but it is heavy woods except for the home site.  Venturing outside of the yard area would require a trencher, but I have enough yard to go with a four pipe and backhoe.

I won't be able to fuse or flush unless I come up with the equipment and knowledge.  I plan on trying to recruit a local loop contractor to take care of that.  I haven't tried to find anyone yet but thats next.  I'm just trying to figure out all my loop options.

Thank You
Russ

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31 Dec 2007 06:56 PM
up "norther" 600' of 3/4 " is equivalant to 1 ton (12,000btus) you will need to determine your heat loss in the house to determine how big a system you need. An average house is 5 ton Idont think youd need that in your warmer area. Fusing lines is not in my opinion a diy-er the equipment is specialized as well as the fittings. A flush cart needs to flow at a specific gpm to work effectively.--Cheers
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31 Dec 2007 09:48 PM
Russ,

Glad to hear that you aren't trying do this yourself.  You are taking the right approach by educating yourself first.  Good luck and let us know how it goes.  Always glad to answer questions.
Dewayne Dean

<br>www.PalaceGeothermal.com<br>Why settle for 90% when you can have 400%<br>We heat and cool with dirt!<br>visit- http://welserver.com/WEL0114/- to see my system
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