Can I Convert a Geothermal Closed-Loop to an Open-Loop System? - Ask the Expert Episode 221

We are not an engineering firm that can design or engineer a replacement system for you, but we can provide general information on system requirements. The general rule of thumb is 3 GPM water flow per ton of capacity for geothermal systems. The actual adjusted rate after installation may be less. Most all manufacturers indicate that iron in groundwater is generally not acceptable for geothermal systems. It may be possible to reduce or eliminate the iron before the geothermal unit. Other types of mineral content can also cause deposits in the heat exchanger and depending on actual water quality, it might be necessary to clean the heat exchangers each year or two. Most open loop systems with acceptable water quality never require cleaning

For the system in question appears to be a pressurized system. Unfortunately, we only promote non-pressured flow centers, which are essentially circulation pumps that circulate distilled water from a heat exchange source, such as the ground, to the inside of a heat exchanger. The 80% distilled water 20% proplyene glycol mixture is just constantly moving with the assistance of both pumps on the flow center station. Unfortunately, with a leak pin pointed in the piping, the piping would have to be replaced and fused to get you back to squared away. Is it necessary to pressurize the water? Along with the geothermal unit, the manufacturer will have their own perspective pressurized section of the manual with a pressurized flow center. We were unable to respond to this question because we only promote and sell our GeoPulse non-pressured atmospheric flow center. Yes, in a pressurized flow center, the PSI must be a certain number that both manufacturers deem to be complementary in the overall installation setup. Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide an answer and can only recommend that you contact the flow center's technical service department.