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Left Navigation    Home   >   News & Info   >   Geothermal Heat Pumps   >   Geothermal Systems   >   Closed Loop

The term "closed loop" is used to describe a geothermal heat pump system that uses a continuous loop of special buried plastic pipe as a heat exchanger. The pipe is connected to the indoor heat pump to form a sealed, underground loop through which water and an antifreeze solution is circulated. Unlike an open-loop system, it recirculates its heat-transferring solution in pressurized pipe.

Does the buried pipe system really work?

The buried pipe, or "ground loop", is the most recent technical advancement in heat pump technology. The idea to bury pipe in the ground to gather heat energy began in the 1940's. But it's only been in the last 20 years that new heat pump designs and improved pipe materials have been combined to make geothermal heat pumps the most efficient heating and cooling system available.

There are several types of loop configurations:

  1. Horizontal
  2. Vertical
  3. Slinkly
  4. Pond

Closed loop systems should only be installed using high density polyethylene or polybutelene pipe. Properly installed these pipes will last 25-75 years. They are inert to chemicals normally found in the soil and have good heat conducting properties. PVC pipe should not be used under any circumstances.

How are the pipe sections joined?

The only acceptable method to connect pipe sections is by thermal fusion. Pipe connections are heated and fused together to form a joint stronger than the original pipe. Mechanical joining of pipe for an earth loop is never an acceptable practice. The use of barbed fittings, clamps and glued joints is certain to result in loop failure.

Your site will need to be evaluated to determine which system is best for you. For more information contact Bryan Berguson at: 570-724-3516.


 

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