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ENERGY STAR Homes Northwest
Geothermal Heat Pump Design and Installation Standards
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1.8.4 No visible leaks shall occur within a 30 minute period.
1.8.5 All fusion joints and loop lengths shall be visibly checked to verify that no
leaks have occurred due to fusion joining or shipping damage.
1.8.6 Flow rates will be compared to calculated values to assure that there is no
blockage or kinking of any pipe.
1.8.7 A minimum velocity of 2 ft/sec in each piping section shall be maintained for
a minimum of 15 minutes to remove all air.
1.9 Piping arrangement
1.9.1 All piping arrangements, including pipe diameters, header arrangements,
parallel and series loops, reverse returns, etc. shall conform to
manufacuturer’s recommendations and approved design criteria. Field
substitutions shall not be allowed without prior approval.
2.0 PIPE PLACEMENT AND BACKFILLING
2.1. Horizontal Systems
2.1.1 Sharp bending of pipe around trench corners shall be prevented by using a
shovel to round corners. Manufacturer's recommendations shall be followed.
2.1.2 Backfilling procedure will include prevention of any sharp-edged rocks from
coming into contact with the pipe by removal of the rocks before backfilling,
backfilling through a coarse screen for a 6 inch cover, or use a 6 inch cover
of sand. Clods resulting from use of a backhoe shall be broken up so air
pockets formed around the pipe will not reduce heat conduction between the
earth and the pipe. In some types of soils, wetting or flooding may be
required.
2.1.3 Horizontal return bends shall be backfilled by hand to properly support the
pipes and prevent kinking.
2.2 Vertical Bore Holes.
2.2.1 The dry section of a vertical bore holes shall be backfilled to ensure good
heat transfer. Local and State codes as to backfilling requirements shall be
followed. In some cases a bentonite grout/slurry will be required.