21 MAY 2023 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Down-the-Hole Products by Ronald B. Peterson Drilling Products Specialist, Mountainland Supply Company Two phrases I often hear that drive me nuts are “Poor dumb farmer” and “Poor dumb driller.” Neither could be further from the truth. Since this is a drilling industry publication, we will focus on the second. Successful drilling contractors are like diamonds “usually a little crusty and rough looking, but they polish up nicely.” They need to have a working knowledge of water rights, land rights, drilling regulations, rig mechanics, drilling rig operations, hydraulics (both water and fluid in general), contract law, business operations, labor regulations, environmental regulations, geology, and hydrology, just to mention a few. I have enjoyed working in this industry and you have taught me so much over the years, I truly appreciate all of you and the patience and help you have shown me. Sorry I digress, I needed to get it off my chest. Let’s get on with this month’s focus ~ Down-the-Hole Products. As you might have guessed based on my background, I will discuss drilling fluids as a downhole tool or collection of downhole tools. Properly Designed Drilling Fluids: 1. Stabilize the borehole helping to prevent it from caving and swelling while the bore is being completed - you could considered it a temporary casing. 2. Cool, clean, and lubricate the bit and drill string. 3. Act as a conveyer belt to remove the cuttings from the hole so it can continue to be advanced. 4. Control downhole pressures - both geological and hydrological. 5. Protect aquifers from being compromised and contaminated to ensure a quality water well and help reduce well development time and costs. 6. Provide buoyancy to the production string to reduce the weight on the drill rig while casing is being installed. Just like every other tool or piece of equipment, always choose the properly designed drilling fluid to ensure it is fit for the purpose, will provide the proper results, and provides adequate safety protocols. What about grout? Grout is a subject for multiple columns, but since it is part of the focus, I want to touch on it. Design your grout as you plan your well - not as an afterthought. The grout is a requirement by regulation. Select your grout based on what will provide the best overall seal and adequate protection to the water well, and what you can effectively place - maybe you need to upgrade your grouting equipment. Make sure you include the cost of an effective grout in your quote to the well owner on the total cost of the well. Make sure you have the necessary material and equipment on location to grout when you need it. I am a firm believer in the adage: “I would rather be looking at it than looking for it.” Always remember to use the available industry resources to make sure you have the most efficient tools and materials available to economically and properly complete the project. Thanks for reading. As I often say, “A man has to know his limitations.” Working together, it is amazing where we can go. Let’s enjoy the trip! If you have any questions on drilling fluids or if you have another topic you would like addressed, please remember this column is ours. Help me make it of value to you. It needs to be an interactive tool. I need your feedback. Please send your suggestions to Michele (below) and she will get them to me. Ron michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com WTR
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