About the CompanyEarthworm Tunneling is a research and development company dedicated to improving large-scale tunneling technology through experimentation and innovation. We are currently developing a new, hydraulically-oriented method of cutting and removing aggregates which provides significant advantages over existing methodologies. Our HydroBore? technology improves upon traditional practices such as drilling, blasting or grinding with metal teeth by using pressurized water as both a cutting and removal medium.
One of our primary goals with this technology is in the realm of geothermal energy. Geothermal is a natural, renewable energy source that has the potential to be more cost-effective, more reliable, and more environmentally friendly than the finite fossil fuels that are most widespread today. Geothermal energy can be employed as an alternate fuel source in your own home or business, and Earthworm Tunelling can help you learn how. We also intend to facilitate the creation of a large-scale power plant that runs on geothermal power. There are four major technological innovations that would lead up to the creation of such a power plant. They are broken down below:
Automated Tunnel ConstructionAutomated tunnel construction is a rapidly developing field, with great value to miners and the companies for which they work. These innovations reduce the potential dangers represented by underground construction, while increasing the rate of production. The production increase is similar to automation in a factory, with robotic equipment doing the dangerous heavy labor. The workers' primary purpose is still important, requiring their maintenance of the equipment, as well as their operation of that same equipment from outside. Tunnels and bore holes (also drilled into the earth) are necessary for the construction of geothermal power plants on both a small and large scale.
High-Speed Stone Cutting EquipmentOne example of an industry benefiting from the high-speed stone cutting equipment would be the geothermal heating system industry. Residential geothermal heat-exchange systems are in wide use today, but they are too costly for most people to own. In places like Kansas, for example, where the top soil is deep, a system can be installed for approximately $6,000. However, in places like New England, where we have a lot of bed rock to contend with, the cost on average is closer to $35,000. Although this is a one-time expense, and the long term costs of maintaining such systems are minimal, our proposed stone cutting equipment would cut through stone at a much quicker rate, making residential geothermal heat far more economical.
Low-Cost Material Transfer SystemsLow-cost material transfer systems are sealed, and therefore valuable when there are concerns about contaminating local ground water. One possible industry that would benefit from this equipment would be construction companies building high-speed transportation systems. Low-cost waste material removal could reduce the project costs of large contracts by as much as 50%.These transportation systems generate revenue first for the contractors and then for the local communities as a result of increased commerce capabilities. Low-cost material transfer systems would also aid in the construction of a geothermal power plant.
Temperature-Controlled Deep Mining CapabilityTemperature controlled deep mining capability is the final major innovation required for the development of large scale geothermal power plants. With the development of this technology, miners could work in a controlled environment with protection from the extreme conditions inherent to being at a depth of 20,000 feet. Also, for the mining and underground construction industry these developments would create billions of new contracts every year that presently are not being considered, due to present limitations of tunneling and mining systems.
Interested parties may contact our President, J. David Reynolds, for information about our technologies and investment opportunities. |
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