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Thread: Horizontal ground loop question

  1. 09-26-2018, 11:35 AM #1
    rolltide1
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    Horizontal ground loop question

    Say a trench was dug to about 8 feet or so and has rock in the bottom of trench. Does the rock help or hurt the transfer of heat once everything is back Filled?
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  3. 09-26-2018, 01:56 PM #2
    Gman59
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    Should have a bed of filler. Rock holds heat. This should be fine.

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  4. 09-26-2018, 04:14 PM #3
    Juan Madera
    Juan Madera is offline Professional Member*
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    Rock is more conductive than sand..

    Just ensure that the backfill does not press tube into a sharp rock and ruin your day.
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  5. 09-26-2018, 05:45 PM #4
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    kdean1
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    Juan is correct that the rock has better retention properties than sand.

    Check the safety regulations on working in an 8' trench. As I understand it, the requirement is that walls must be reinforced on anything deeper than 5'. It's a hassle but being fined by OSHA is a bigger hassle. And getting buried in a trench can ruin your day.

    There's nothing wrong with horizontal loops but vertical loops have a far greater average depth which yields more capacity.
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  6. 03-10-2019, 05:23 AM #5
    MRL
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    Rock is more conductive than dry sand and is less conductive than wet sand.
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  7. 11-18-2019, 10:13 PM #6
    Cool breeze 38
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    Horizontals--Wouldnt do it.
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