Geothermal resources are typically associated with igneous and metamorphic rocks, which are harder than the sedimentary rocks through which most oil and gas wells are drilled. The Hard Rock Drilling Facility features a vertical coring machine designed and developed at Sandia. It is used for:
- Evaluating hard-rock penetration technologies,
- Researching the mechanisms of drill bit vibrations,
- Developing downhole drilling tools, and
- Evaluating best practices for drilling.
Image depicts a demonstration at the hard rock drilling facility drills through a large block of granite to simulate subsurface conditions.