System information

ClimateMaster Geothermal Heat Pump Systems
23
Residential Products Technical Guide
Prior to installation, locate and mark all existing underground
utilities, piping, etc. Install loops for new construction before
sidewalks, patios, driveways and other construction has
begun. During construction, accurately mark all ground
loop piping on the plot plan as an aid in avoiding potential
future damage to the installation (see Site Survey Sheet).
This should be done before and after loop installation.
Final installation should be plotted from two fi xed points to
triangulate the header/manifold location.
Loop Piping Installation
The typical closed loop ground source system is shown in
Figure 6. All earth loop piping materials should be limited to
only polyethylene fusion in below ground (buried) sections of
the loop. Galvanized or steel fi ttings should not be used at
 CAUTION! 
CAUTION! This manual is not intended for
commercial loop design.
Figure 7: Typical Horizontal Loop Confi gurations
Figure 8: Typical Vertical Loop Confi gurations
any time due to the tendency to corrode by galvanic action.
All plastic to metal threaded fi ttings should be avoided as
well due to the potential to leak in earth coupled applications;
a fl anged fi tting should be substituted. P/T plugs should be
used so that fl ow can be measured using the pressure drop
of the unit heat exchanger in lieu of other fl ow measurement
means (e.g. fl ow meter, which adds additional fi ttings
and potential leaks). Earth loop temperatures can range
between 25-110°F [-4 to 43°C]. Flow rates of 2.25 to 3 gpm
per ton [2.41 to 3.23 l/m per kW] of cooling capacity are
recommended for all earth loop applications.
Horizontal Applications
For horizontal earth loops, dig trenches using either a
chain-type trenching machine or a backhoe. Dig trenches
approximately 8-10 feet [2.5 to 3 meters] apart (edge to
edge of next trench). Trenches must be at least 10 feet [3
meters] from existing utility lines, foundations and property
lines and at least 50 feet [15.2 meters] minimum from privies
and wells. Local codes and ordinances supersede any
recommendations in this manual. Trenches may be curved to
avoid obstructions and may be turned around corners. When
multiple pipes are laid in a trench, space pipes properly and
backfi ll carefully to avoid disturbing the spacing between the
pipes in the trench. Figure 7 details common loop cross-
sections used in horizontal loops. Actual number of circuits
used in each trench will vary depending upon property size.
Use GeoDesigner software to determine the best layout.
Vertical Applications
For vertical earth loops, drill boreholes using any size drilling
equipment. Regulations which govern water well installations also
apply to vertical ground loop installations. Vertical applications
typically require multiple boreholes. Space boreholes a minimum
of 10 feet [3 meters] apart. In southern or cooling dominated
climates 15 feet is required. Commercial installations may require
more distance between bores. This manual is not intended for
commercial loop design.
The minimum diameter bore hole for 3/4 inch or 1 inch U-bend
well bores is 4 inches [102 mm]. Larger diameter boreholes
may be drilled if convenient. Assemble each U-bend assembly,
fi ll with water and perform a hydrostatic pressure test prior to
insertion into the borehole.
To add weight and prevent the pipe from curving and digging
into the borehole wall during insertion, tape a length of conduit,
pipe or reinforcing bar to the U-bend end of the assembly. This
technique is particularly useful when inserting the assembly
into a borehole fi lled with water or drilling mud solutions, since
water fi lled pipe is buoyant under these circumstances.
Closed Loop Design/Installation Guidelines