Volume 21 December 2024 Details about this unit and more from SEMCO on page 6. Booth 103
Booth 351
Booth 1127
Are you Planning to go?...................................................63 Breaking News..................................................................13 Classifieds: WorldWide Buyers’ Guide™..............67-80 Education Connection......................................................56 Hot Off the Press.................................................................9 Obituary: Bittner, Donald E. “Buck”................................14 Obituary: Brothers, Dolores Jane “Dody”......................34 Obituary: Hall, Donald Allen “Don”.................................14 Obituary: Newman, Dwight Elmer.................................34 Obituary: Paris, Ronald Lee “Ron”.................................34 Obituary: Stainton, K.C. “Craig”.....................................34 Photo Page........................................................................36 Product Spotlight..............................................................57 Who’s in the News............................................................13 WorldWide Association Memberships................................61 WorldWide Buyers Meet Sellers......................................41-51 WorldWide .........6 Acker Drill Company...........................................................77 Advanced Water Well Technologies....................................25 Allegheny Instruments........................................................63 Armstrong Machine Co., Inc. (AMCI)..................................22 Atlantic Screen & Manufacturing, Inc. (ASI)........................61 Advanced Water Well Technologies....................................25 Baker Water Systems.........................................................38 Better Water Industries Inc..................................................29 Bit Brokers International (BBI)............................................19 Bitco, Inc.............................................................................56 Central Mine Equipment Company (CME)..........................12 Drill King International.........................................................78 Drill Pipe, Inc.......................................................................23 Drilling Equipment Sales, Inc. (DES)..................................79 Drilling Supply & Mfg (DSM)...............................................65 Eastern Driller Manufacturing Company Inc. (EDM)...........59 Eijkelkamp North America...................................................39 Empire State Water Well Drillers Assoc. (ESWWDA) Ann. Mtg..54 GEFCO (BAUER Equipment America, Inc.)........................80 GeoPro, Inc.........................................................................33 Geoprobe Systems®..............................................................2 Geothermal Supply Company, Inc. (GSC)..........................15 Heron Instruments, Inc.......................................................35 Hole Products ......................................................................7 Horizon Hoist......................................................................17 Infinity Tool Manufacturing....................................................3 Infinity Tool Manufacturing..................................................38 King Oil Tools......................................................................40 Kovai Drilling Applications...................................................27 KS Bit, Inc...........................................................................55 Louisiana Ground Water Assoc (LGWA) Convention..........18 Merrill Manufacturing..........................................................53 Mills Machine Company, Inc...............................................66 Moab Bit & Tool Co., Inc......................................................20 Mountain States Ground Water Expo.................................60 N&N Drilling Supply.............................................................14 National Ground Water Assoc. (NGWA) Groundwater Week..13 Palmer Bit Company...........................................................37 PennDrill Mfg......................................................................32 SEMCO, Inc..........................................................................1 SEMCO, Inc.........................................................................6 SIMCO® Drilling Equipment...................................................4 Specialty Rig Sales (SRS)..................................................30 Star Iron Works, Inc. - Construction......................................8 Star Iron Works, Inc. - Water Well.........................................9 T&T Carbide Inc..................................................................62 TDH Manufacturing Inc.......................................................52 Tennessee Water Well Assn. (TWWA) Annual Mtg & Trade Show...57 Texas Ground Water Association (TGWA) Convention.......24 Utah Ground Water Association (UGWA) Conf. and Expo..28 Vanair Manufacturing, Inc...................................................21 Venture Drilling Supply........................................................31 Well-Vu, Inc.........................................................................64 Advertisers Featured Editorial CONST - Construction ENV - Environmental EXB - Exploration/Blasthole G&O - Shallow Gas and Oil GEOTECH - Geotechnical GEO - Geothermal HDD - Horizontal Directional Drilling MIN - Mining WTR - Water December 2024 - New Technology on the Horizon CONST ENV EXB G&O GEOTECH GEO HDD MIN WTR Aardvark Packers Acker Drill Company Atlantic Screen & Mfg.,Inc. Bit Brokers International Centerline Mfg. Co. ChemGrout® Diedrich Drill Drill King International Drill Pipe, Inc. Drilling Equip. Resources Eastern Driller Mfg. (EDM) Eijkelkamp North America Get Association Help™ Heisey Machine Co. Hole Products Kovai Drilling Applications Merrill Manufacturing PennDrill Mfg. Pulstar Mfg. Star Iron Works, Inc. T&T Carbide, Inc. VMAC Western Drilling Tools Windmill 702 Your Chance to Win a Trip to The Utility Expo.............7 Safety Concerns When Building in Yellowstone..........23 Five Ways to Prevent Injuries and Fatalities on the...57 Wilson, Jr., Robert Evans: The Un-Comfort Zone II...16 From Air to Rock........................................................29 Creede Mining District Site Cleanup...........................56 Blasting Near a Crusher............................................20 Storkson, Britt: Why Do We Rely on Software?......33 Explosives in the U.S.................................................39 The Launch of AutoSep Technologies.......................21 Battersby, Mark E.: Drilling Into Money Not Boring..37 Cracking a Wildcatter’s Riddle..................................60 RESPEC Provides Geotechnical Engineering for SLAM...11 Information on Amphibious Drilling............................35 Connor, Tim: Investing in Future Success................64 Helping Communities Explore Clean Energy.............15 Detroit Arsenal Taps into Geothermal Power.............32 Smith, Billy Bob: The “Idiots” Corner.......................58 Catch-Rig Technology Speeds Up Intersect Drilling...18 Information on Horizontal Directional Drilling............30 E-News Readers’ Choice - Mining is the Backbone....22 Three Technologies that Could Revolutionize Mining....26 Heads Up! Iowa Water Well Contractors.........................8 Long Island’s Groundwater Sustainability Project.....19 Peterson, Ronald: Advances in the Drilling Industry...25 Wellbot Offers Innovative Solutions...............................28 New President for NGWA..............................................38 Rasmussen, Tim: Water for Life International..........53 5 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
RED, WHITE, and , and BLUE ~ the AMERICAN WAY ~ the AMERICAN IT’s YOUR TIME TO SHINE! Come January 20, 2025, your DRILLING EXPERTISE will certainly be in demand! What was the reason for your favorite Drilling Magazine ~ WorldWide Drilling Resource® to enter this great industry in 2003? This magazine covers ALL ASPECTS of drilling, as well as everything it takes to complete your job, that’s why. If you know anything about drilling, by subscribing to this FREE monthly magazine (either in PRINT or ONLINE - how about both ways?) ~ you are, without really trying, getting a super education in water well, shallow gas & oil, geotechnical, geothermal, environmental, construction, irrigation, wastewater, mining, and exploration-blasthole. You have such opportunities now, you never had before. Let us know how we may be able to help you. Proudly Made in the United States of America - delivered WorldWide! WorldWide Drilling Resource® The complete magazine for the drilling industry worldwide, owned by drilling industry associates dedicated to bringing the most up-to-date technology and information to subscribers. Covering construction, geotechnical, directional, environmental, exploration-blasthole, shallow gas & oil, geothermal, mining, water well, irrigation, wastewater; from bits, to pumps, to rigs, to tanks, through wire, and more. Whatever it takes to get the drilling job done! Managing Publisher/CEO/President: Veronica I. “Ronnie” Jones Vice President: Troy Cunningham Office Administrator: Michele Stevens Editor: Bonnie Love Sales Manager: Kevin Kevilly Public Relations Professional/Display: Sheryl Kevilly Public Relations Professional/Classified: Linda Peterson Representative: Marie Cunningham Editorial Assistant: Sophia Henline Editorial Contributors for this month: Mark Battersby Tim Connor Ron Peterson Tim Rasmussen “Billy Bob Smith” Britt Storkson Robert Evans Wilson, Jr. Hyd/Eng Consultant: Thomas Kwader, Ph.D.,P.G. Consultant: Mary Ann Pelletier Editorial contributions & advertisements include statements of fact and opinions that are the sole responsibility of the author and/or companies and do not necessarily imply any opinion of the owners, management, or staff of WorldWide Drilling Resource® . Images may have been altered for clarity. Complete advertising information may be found at: www.worldwidedrillingresource.com or by calling 850-547-0102. WorldWide Drilling Resource® makes every effort not to place advertisements for “like” products on the same page in our publication; this may occur however, due to size and space within the publication. We regret any incovenience this may cause our advertisers. WorldWide Drilling Resource® is published monthly by: WorldWide Drilling Resource, Inc., a Florida Corporation, independently owned and operated. PO Box 660 (3089 Northride Lane) Bonifay FL 32425-0660. Telephone: 850-547-0102 Fax: 850-547-0329 E-mail: wwdr@worldwidedrillingresource.com Website: www.worldwidedrillingresource.com Copyright 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource, Inc. Seen by countless WorldWide. Publication Agreement No. 40892520. Back issues may be requested. Cost per issue $10.00 USD. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the strict written consent of the publishers. Advertising rates furnished upon request. Editorial contributions are welcome subject to editorial review.* WorldWide Drilling Resource® reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. We Recycle 6 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® With Pen - Computer in hand . . . Veronica I. “Ronnie” Jones, 850-547-0102 ronnie@worldwidedrillingresource.com Next Up . . . LGWA, UGWA, ESWWDA, TGWA . . . See you on the trail . . . ~ From the Cover ~ SEMCO S8,000H Pump Hoist, 46’ derrick, triple line options 22,000 lbs. capacity, two-speed main line winch, hot shift PTO automatic transmission, driver side pipe rack with ratchet straps, hydraulic oil cooler 12V DC, 1500’ capacity sand reel, corded remote control, auxiliary hydro valve, 12-foot steel flatbed, factory mounted on customer's truck. Don't miss out, CALL TODAY, 719-336-9006 PO Box 1174 • 7595 US Hwy 50 N Lamar, CO 81052-1174 E-mail: semcopumphoist@gmail.com www.SEMCOoflamar.com This unit was sold to Lobo Irrigation in Seminole, Texas.
7 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Booth 1119 Your Chance to Win a Trip to The Utility Expo Adapted from Information by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers The Utility Expo is the largest event for utility professionals and construction contractors. The event occupies 1.5 million square feet where more than 21,000 attendees will have access to more than 30 utility industry-specific classrooms, hands-on demonstrations, new products and technology, as well as peer-to-peer education opportunities. The Expo is hosting a contest for the upcoming Utility Expo scheduled for October 7-9, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. Winners will receive a trip for two to attend the show, including hotel reservations, along with $1250 in travel credit. “This contest is more than just a prize giveaway,” said Utility Expo Show Director Brianne Somers. “This is an opportunity to attend North America’s premier utility trade show, network with other utility professionals, and gain exposure to some of the most advanced technology and equipment in the industry.” No purchase necessary for contest registration. Contestants must be at least 18-years-old, with a valid driver’s license, and a U.S. citizen. Entries may only be submitted by a single registered user, and winners will need to respond within ten days of being notified. Contest entries will be accepted through November 30, 2024. Click Here to Enter! HURRY - TIME IS SHORT! CONST
8 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® www.starironworks.com 257 Caroline Street Punxsutawney, PA 15767 800-927-0560 • 814-427-2555 Fax: 814-427-5164 SERVING THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Serving the Drilling Industry Booth 1003 Heads Up! Iowa Water Well Contractors Adapted from Information by the Iowa Water Well Association Recently, there has been a lot of discussion regarding whether a permit needs to be issued for well reconstruction in Iowa. According to Erik Day, environmental specialist senior with the Water Quality Bureau at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the current Iowa Administrative Code 567 - 38.6(455B) states: Well maintenance and reconstruction. A private well construction permit is required for all replacement wells. A private well construction permit is required for modification to a well such as changes in physical dimensions including, but not limited to, deepening the well and changing the diameter or length of the casing or the screen. A private well construction permit is not required for the repair, maintenance, or rehabilitation of an existing well that does not change its physical dimensions. Although, it seems historically, this rule has not been practiced or enforced, counties will have to start implementing procedures to issue well reconstruction permits, because it is in the rule. However, this brings in a lot of other complexities including: • The inability to create multiple permits for a single well • Creating duplicate wells in the database, and • Charging people additional fees when they are able to be reimbursed for reconstruction expenses through the private well grants program, which does seem counterintuitive. Day explained the rule was probably implemented prior to the private well grants program providing reimbursement for well reconstruction. With the grants program providing funding for well reconstruction, this seems to be an outdated rule which should be removed. “If you agree, I'd encourage you to provide comments on this topic during the EO10 [Executive Order 10] public hearings that will be held in January 2025, so that the language that requires permits for reconstruction, can be considered for removal,” he stated. For more information, contact the Iowa Water Well Association or visit www.iwwa.org Erik Day WTR
9 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Rigid Dump Truck Gets Upgrade During MINExpo 2024 in Las Vegas, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. introduced the EH4000AC-5, a full model change of its EH4000AC-3 rigid dump truck. By applying metal fabrication technologies accumulated through the manufacturing of hydraulic excavators, the company increased the dump truck’s durability and achieved a payload of 242 tons. The EH4000AC-5 includes an evolved Hitachi AC drive system cultivated from current models with strengthened brakes, suspension, and other aspects of the undercarriage to achieve smooth, stable driving and superior deceleration performance - even under the new higher payload. In addition, EH4000AC-5 provides a comfortable operator space and operating environment, which enables the achievement of an optimum desired level of maneuvering performance. Furthermore, the change to a fully electric specification, equipped with batteries and trolley dynamic charging systems that receive power from overhead lines installed at mines, is also compatible with the EH4000AC-5 similar to the EH4000AC-3 series models. After completing field tests at mining sites, the company aims to start sales of the new rigid dump truck in 2025. For a link, click on this box in our online issue. No online issue? Register at worldwidedrillingresource.com WWDR photo taken during MINExpo 2024. www.starironworks.com 257 Caroline Street Punxsutawney, PA 15767 800-927-0560 • 814-427-2555 Fax: 814-427-5164 SERVING THE WATER WELL INDUSTRY Serving the Drilling Industry Booth 1003
85 sales@aardva “Quality Packers Y Mechanical Inflatable Environmental Geotechnica Packer Parts 55-546-6488 arkpackers com You Can Count On” Wireline Straddle al Mining Grout Packers Custom Design s aardvarkpackers.com sales@aardvarkpackers.com 6707 Netherlands Drive Wilmington, NC 28405 O M 919 694 1114 *2005 512 789 9709 E m.epley@sonicsampdrill.com I www.royaleijkelkamp.com/en-us/ Mike Epley Drilling Sales Manager Association Need Help? 850-547-0102 - Ronnie 10 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
11 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® RESPEC Provides Geotechnical Engineering for SLAM Adapted from Information by RESPEC The Alaska State Library, Archives and Museum (SLAM) project in Juneau, Alaska, selected RESPEC as a subconsultant to ECI/Hyer Architects, to provide geotechnical engineering services. The 117,500-square-foot SLAM building has two floor levels with a belowgrade level for parking stalls and mechanical space. The first floor is mainly allocated for the museum exhibit and a secure storage area with a loading dock, as well as a lobby and combined service rooms and offices. The second floor has another secure storage area, a library, and several offices. RESPEC conducted site reconnaissance and explored subsurface conductions by collecting samples using their in-house CME-55 truck-mounted drill. Seven drill hole tests were performed at depths varying from 20 to 75 feet below the ground surface. The test holes were advanced using eight-inch, solid stem auger boring, wash boring, and rotary drilling to the maximum target depth. When the ordinary wash boring or rotary drilling methods were ineffective at advancing the borehole, because of large particle sizes or it caving in, biodegradable bentonite mud was used to stabilize the sidewalls. Soil samples were obtained at frequent intervals, and representative samples were selected for testing in RESPEC’s in-house laboratory. The collected samples were analyzed for pertinent physical and engineering soil properties relative to the proposed construction. The geotechnical report included the results of a ground motion analysis and allowable bearing capacity and settlement analysis along with recommendations for retaining wall/basement load factors; dewatering, frost protection, building site and parking/access preparation, underground site utilities, and corrosion-resistant construction. The company performed periodical special inspection services for monitoring the building foundation excavation, proof rolling, and structural fill placement beneath the building. They also provided geotechnical analysis, evaluation, and design recommendations related to preparing the building foundation, floor slabs, driveway access lanes, hardscape areas, and bus parking lanes. GEOTECH
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13 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Merger Creates Largest Natural Gas Producer in the U.S. Chesapeake Energy Corporation and Southwestern Energy Company have merged, creating the largest independent natural gas producer in the United States. The new company will be known as Expand Energy Corporation. “As America’s largest natural gas producer and a top producer globally, Expand Energy is built to disrupt the industry’s traditional cost and market delivery model,” said Nick Dell’Osso, Expand Energy’s president and chief executive officer. “Behind our advantaged portfolio, peer-leading returns program, and resilient financial foundation, we are poised to capture the significant synergies provided by this powerful combination. We will expand opportunity for shareholders and consumers alike by enhancing margins and reaching more markets, reducing the overall cost of energy. The world needs more energy, and our team is committed to sustainably delivering it to consumers.” For a link, click on this box in our online issue. No online issue? Register at worldwidedrillingresource.com WHO’S IN THE NEWS Additional announcements from the NDA, American Petroleum Institute, and Metso can be found in our online issue at worldwidedrillingresource.com Mobile Drill International Mobile Drill welcomes Brandon Parks to its Southern Region Sales Team. He has a wealth of experience as a longtime drill operator and drilling manager before turning his efforts to sales. National Drilling Association (NDA) During DrillExpo 2024, Aardvark Drilling, Inc. was presented with an NDA Safety Award.
14 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® In Memoriam Donald Allen “Don” Hall (1932~2024) Donald Allen “Don” Hall, 92, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, left this life October 7, 2024. Born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, he attended Eagle River High School and was a skilled athlete who earned nine varsity letters in basketball, baseball, and football. He was inducted into the Eagle River Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. After graduating from Michigan Technological University in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering, Don enlisted in the Marine Corps and started active duty at Quantico, Virginia, finishing in 1957 at Camp Pendleton, California, as a first lieutenant. He loved listening and singing the Marine Corps Hymn, even on his last day. Transitioning to the mining industry in 1958, Don moved with his family to Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley where he began a 20-year career in the explosives industry. He purchased SHS of Allentown, which he sold in 1998, then retired. Don was a prominent figure at International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) conferences and local chapter events. He was a major promoter and a primary founder of the Eastern PA Chapter ISEE. He was active in his community, both at the Church of the Mediator and as a rotarian. Don is survived by his wife Suellen; daughters Wendy, Kim (Jerry), and Ardyth; stepchildren James (Barbara), Colleen (Earl), Kevin (Tracy), Kathryn (Peter), and Sean (Erin); 17 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his brother Frank. Donald E. “Buck” Bittner (1953~2024) Donald E. “Buck” Bittner of Yellow Springs, Ohio, passed way October 14, 2024. He was born in Cedarville, in 1953. His work life was spent drilling and blasting for several companies, and he earned the 2015 Ohio Driller of the Year award. A world traveler later in life with his wife, family, and friends, Buck was the 200th lung transplant recipient at Ohio State University. Survivors include his son Christopher (Denese); grandchildren Amanda and Eric; sister-in-law Sharon; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Cynthia, sister Victoria, and brother Robert. Lest we forget . . .
Helping Communities Explore Clean Energy Compiled by Sophia Henline, Editorial Assistant, WorldWide Drilling Resource® Widespread deployment of geothermal energy can provide more resilient and reliable electrical infrastructure for all Americans and ultimately drive down overall energy costs. The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Geothermal Technologies Office’s (GTO) Geothermal Collegiate Competition (GCC) provides students the opportunity to solve real-world problems and teaches them how to interact directly with communities. The 2023 competition featured two tracks: the technical track, in which teams designed a geothermal heating and cooling system from the ground up for a proposed community of their choosing; and the new policy track, in which teams conducted an analysis of the regulatory environment and economic feasibility for a proposed geothermal system. The policy track winners from Columbia and Princeton Universities, will travel more than 3500 miles to visit their partner community in Elim, Alaska, where they will explore geothermal options for the 330-person town. The team’s economic analysis of their proposed ocean-based closed-loop geothermal heating and cooling system found system costs could be recouped in as little as 14 years, advancing clean energy in a manner consistent with the Iñupiat (an Alaska native group of people) way of living from the land. It should save residents more than 2.3 million gallons of fuel oil and 70 million pounds of wood over 30 years. The partnership also motivated the Elim community to seek additional technical assistance from DOE programs to find renewable energy solutions appropriate for their town. A team from the University of Oklahoma (OU) took first place in the 2023 technical track project. They designed a system of geothermal wells to heat and cool the Osage Nation’s 40,000-square-foot greenhouse, supporting efforts for native food sovereignty in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, after there was a breakdown in the Tribe’s food system. The proposed geothermal system design would help alleviate the challenge of maintaining a constant year-round growing temperature. Students worked closely with the Osage Nation on this project. “They’re looking for solutions we can actually use,” said Cody Vavra, an agroecologist (one who studies ecological processes) and sustainable systems specialist with the Osage Nation. Vavra helped the OU team with logistics in the Osage Nation and guided them through rules and regulations related to the geothermal wells. Vavra said if the students continue to connect with the right resources and secure funding, the geothermal solutions would be beneficial to the Osage population. The GCC is a prime example of a growing workforce’s meaningful community partnerships shaping tomorrow. GCC students gain real-world knowledge and experience in geothermal while communities come to understand which geothermal solutions make sense for them, which is a winning combination for the nation’s clean energy future. Photo courtesy of OU. Students host a stakeholder engagement event in Elim, Alaska, to discuss their 2023 GCC project. Photo by Joe DelNero, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. GEO For more information call: (270) 786-3010 or visit us online: www.geothermalsupply.com All New! Atlantis-Pro Vault • Traffic-Rated Capable • Simple installation • Trouble-free operation 15 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Photo Courtesy of OU.
16 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® The Un-Comfort Zone II by Robert Evans Wilson, Jr. There is Almost Always a Silver Lining ~ Seeing it Depends on Your Perspective I’ve suffered a number of losses throughout my life, which have motivated me to look for silver linings. I've done it so often it has become a habit. In most circumstances, I can usually find one - sometimes more. When I was in high school, I started playing football for the wrong reason - I thought it would make the girls interested in me. It didn’t. I hated the grueling workouts and wanted to quit, but peer pressure kept me playing. Then one day I broke my leg in a scrimmage. When I looked down and saw my leg bent in the wrong place, my first thought was, “I’ll never have to play this game again.” I immediately found the silver lining. A few years later, test anxiety caused me to score poorly on the college entrance exam. I would have to retake the test to get into the college of my choice. I dreaded having to retake it. Meanwhile, the 1974 oil embargo caused a recession that caused my father’s construction company to fail. Dad explained he was no longer able to send me to an expensive college. Initially I was crushed, but after a few days, I realized I could afford to send myself to the local state university on what I earned at my part-time job. The silver lining? I wouldn’t have to retake the exam because my first score was good enough. In the mid-1990s, I was lured into closing my own company when I was offered a high-salaried position with an advertising agency. Two years later, the agency lost a major client and I was laid off. I was angry for putting myself in such a vulnerable position. I had to restart and rebuild my own business again from scratch. The silver lining was, I realized I had more job security in being self-employed. My most traumatic loss was probably my divorce. I could not see a silver lining to that for several years. Going into the final months of our relationship, before we separated, my stress from the impending breakup was causing me to have multiple health issues: high blood pressure, chest pain, heartburn/acid reflux, and knee inflammation so severe it required me to walk with a cane. All of those symptoms went away within six weeks of my wife moving out. But, I didn’t see it as a silver lining because I didn’t want the divorce. Four years later, my next relationship came to an end, and I was deeply depressed. I recognized I had a pattern in the type of woman to whom I was attracted. I realized it was a mental problem; and I was determined to find out what it was and how to fix it. The silver lining was I set out on a journey of self-discovery and started doing the work necessary to feel better again. Over time, I became sincerely grateful for the negative experience that drove me to seek help. In May of 2022, I learned I was not related to Dad. I was conceived by artificial insemination with a sperm donor. I was pretty upset by the news. Up until then, I believed none of my direct ancestors (parents and grandparents) had lived longer than 63 years; because of that, I had been concerned about my longevity and strived to live as healthy as possible. The silver lining appeared when I uncovered the identity of my biological father and learned he lived to be 96 years old, and his mother 95, both without dementia. Sometimes we can only come to acceptance by going through the grieving process. I didn’t see a silver lining to the 9/11 terror attacks, nor one for the victims of Hurricane Helene. However, I was able to see a silver lining to COVID-19 because it enlightened many people to how much the government and the media are willing to spread false information in order to control people. During times of propaganda, we can stay positive and see the upside if we are willing to practice critical thinking and question authority. Ambrose Bierce understood this when he wrote the following in The Devil's Dictionary: “DISOBEDIENCE, n. The silver lining to the cloud of servitude.” When you run into an obstacle, look for the opportunity. Sometimes our rigid thinking and cognitive bias prevents us from finding it. Helen Keller wisely observed, “When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door, that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” In other words, it’s all in your perspective; and changing it may require some creativity. Experiencing loss is a great time to practice your creative thinking skills. Just because you hit a roadblock doesn’t mean you can’t reach your goals. It merely means you may have to take a new path. Your ingenuity can help you see alternatives. There are always substitutes available if you are open-minded. When you engage your creative brain and look for other options, you will be amazed at how resourceful you can be and what you will discover. Stay optimistic. Practicing a positive mental attitude regularly will empower you to see silver linings when a loss occurs. Implementing positivity includes developing and maintaining healthy life habits of diet and exercise; making plans to do things you enjoy; and using affirmations regularly to bolster your self-worth. While you're at it, hang out with cheerful, upbeat people who always see the glass as half full; doing so will likely result in their sunny attitude rubbing off on you. We never know what another person is going through. Having compassion for their situation may enable us to assist them through their time of trouble. Being supportive of someone who is hurting may be just what they need to develop the courage to move through their grief and improve their state of consciousness. For example, it might be helpful to remind them of their earlier achievements and accomplishments. As Benjamin Disraeli avowed, “The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.” Robert Robert is an innovation/change speaker, author, and consultant. He works with companies that want to be more competitive through innovation and with people who want to think more creatively. Contact him via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com
17 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
18 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® https://LGWA.org Louisiana Ground Water Association Convention & Trade Show January 7-8, 2025 Paragon Casino Resort Marksville, Louisiana Exhibits Bingo Education Door Prizes Discount Code LGJ06GR Catch-Rig Technology Speeds up Intersect Drilling Process Adapted from Information by American Augers When undertaking longer maxi-horizontal directional drilling (HDD) projects requiring intersecting pilot bores, contractors typically use a two-sided installation approach. This method enables operators to manage fluid cleaning, assist with pipe handling, and provide power assistance in difficult borehole conditions. This involves drilling from both ends toward a central point and merging the two bores into one continuous hole. The predetermined drive rig then pulls the exit side drill string back to the surface, allowing for the hole-opening process to take place. A challenge in the process is maintaining a consistent drill pipe string in the hole at all times. The project determines the method for managing the tail string on the exit side of the bore as it progresses. Previously, contractors had to devise creative solutions for managing drill pipe and fluid flows, including manual pipe connections and fluid swivels, which took up significant time and effort. American Augers developed a catch-rig technology which enables the efficient collaboration of two HDD rigs, with the added benefit of utilizing the rotary fluid swivel from normal HDD rig operations to pump fluid from the exit side, improving fluid pumping efficiency when fluid flows to that side of the bore. With a focus on safety and efficiency, American Augers employed an additional HDD rig on the exit side, equipped with hydraulic pipe making and breaking capabilities. The rotary system offered neutral or enabled mode, operated by finger touch on the drill’s control screen. This enabled the catch rig to thread new pipes and maintain continuous pipe movement during the boring process, reducing the risks and cost associated with solids buildup. The technology also minimized dwell time and fluid usage, making solid removal easier, resulting in fewer project days. They haven’t done time trials or case studies yet, but Richard Levings, American Augers’ product manager, conservatively estimated contractors could save 15 minutes per pipe connection. “On a 3000-foot bore, where there are 100 connections of 30-foot pipe, that’s a lot of time saved, plus you are not dealing with the swivel and multiple people to make the connections,” he said. “All that can be done with the catch rig in less than two minutes with two people.” Using catch-rig technology for back reaming and swab passes on the second rig in intersect bore operations offers a logical efficiency advantage, as two machines are already on-site. HDD
19 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Long Island’s Groundwater Sustainability Project Adapted from Information by USGS and DEC The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has partnered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to conduct a comprehensive study of the Long Island aquifer system, which supplies water to more than 2.8 million New Yorkers. The project is a multiphase effort to develop a comprehensive state-of-the-art 3D groundwater model to understand Long Island’s sole source aquifer, help make informed, scientifically driven water use decisions, and bolster water supply sustainability and resiliency. The study simulates changes in aquifer recharge, groundwater pumping, and sea level position to determine the effects of these changes on water levels, streamflow, and saltwater intrusion from 1900 to present, and can be used to simulate the aquifer system’s response to various hydrologic stresses in the future. The approach for this investigation consisted of three main components. The hydrogeologic framework component provided updated hydrostratigraphic surfaces and unit extents, building upon the last regional framework update of the aquifer system. As part of this update, a network of new groundwater wells were installed at about 25 locations in the Lloyd and Magothy aquifers throughout the Island to fill in substantial data gaps. During and after completion of the newly drilled wells, lithologic core samples were collected and analyzed to improve the understanding of the hydrogeologic framework. Borehole-geophysical logging techniques were also used to provide additional information on the geology, as well as aquifer salinity, as part of the saltwater-interface mapping component of the investigation. The saltwater-interface mapping component used borehole-geophysical logs collected at existing and newly installed wells and surface-geophysical soundings using time-domain electromagnetic technology. This effort will build upon earlier studies conducted at a much coarser scale throughout the Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer system. The final model was used to simulate various scenarios, including changes in groundwater withdrawals, aquifer recharge management, and climate change. DEC will use this tool to predict the outcomes of various water withdrawal management strategies. Based on current and future model scenario outcomes, DEC will work with partners to develop policies and best management practices to protect Long Island’s groundwater resources. “Protecting Long Island’s sole source aquifer is critical, and this comprehensive science-driven modeling is an important tool for DEC and water supply stakeholders to manage this precious water resource effectively and efficiently,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “DEC looks forward to continuing this collaborative effort with U.S. Geological Survey to identify challenges and advance actions to ensure clean drinking water supplies for the long term.” Sediment core sample from the Magothy aquifer at 800 feet below land surface during the drilling of a well. Photos courtesy of USGS. Time-domain electromagnetic survey collected by a USGS scientist in Queens County, New York. WTR
20 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Blasting Near a Crusher Adapted from Information by Dyno Nobel A mine operator wanted to open up additional ore for extraction (over 3 million long tons), by blasting two benches near several mine structures including two crushers, the conveyor belt drive, and the thickener. The crushers were approximately 250 feet from the nearest blasthole while the belt drive and thickener were 800 feet and 1300 feet, respectively, from the nearest blasthole. The crushers were identified as critical structures as they were the production lifeblood of the mine. If the crushers were shut down due to any damage from blasting, revenue of the mine would be adversely affected. DynoConsult® was contacted by the local distributor to provide recommendations on how to drill and load the blastholes so there would be no flyrock and minimal blast vibrations. Several goals for the blast design were established by the mine management. A crucial goal was that rock movement from the blast should be limited so none of the mine structures would be damaged by flyrock. This was considered the most important goal for the blast design. The second goal was to minimize blast vibrations at the structures, particularly the crushers. Excessive vibrations could damage the structures, leading to extended downtime and costly repairs. The last goal was to produce a muckpile that could be dug easily by the shovels. UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) flyovers of the blast area were conducted to provide a 3D representation of the free faces and bench surface. The 3D point cloud produced from this was used to measure the shape of the free faces. Once the shape of the free faces was quantified, it was possible to establish proper placement of the crest holes and develop a custom explosive load for each blasthole. There were two issues which provided an extra challenge to the blast design. The first was the blastholes had to be 16 inches in diameter as it was the only hole diameter available. The second issue was the bench height was short, varying from 34 to 40 feet. From the beginning of the project, it was recognized electronic detonators would be required to achieve the necessary control of the blast. Dyno Nobel’s DigiShot® detonators were used as the initiation system. Dyno Nobel’s proprietary blast design methodology was used to determine the burdens, spacings, and explosives loads for each blasthole. The specific equations used were those designed to minimize rock movement while providing adequate rock fragmentation. This was particularly important given the large-diameter blastholes (16 inches) coupled with the relatively short hole depths down to 32 feet. This combination of large-diameter blastholes with a short bench provided an unfavorable geometry for the goals established by the mine management. Finally, Dyno Nobel’s proprietary program Dyno42 was used to determine the optimum delay times to minimize the blast vibrations at the nearby mine structures. Dyno42 is a signature hole analysis software employing linear superposition of vibration waveforms. Upon seeing the blast results, the Process Manager for Drill & Blast at the operation stated, “You all are awesome and did an awesome job on the design, loading, and timing on that shot! We really enjoyed talking and learning with you all. Great job, give your team a pat on the back as they were a large reason why the blast crew was accepting and interested in the DigiShot electronic system and a pleasure to work with. We look forward to working more with you all.” There were no flyrock or blast vibration issues at any of the nearby mine structures. As a result, the mine was able to maintain its production with no downtime. The muckpile was well fragmented with reports from the shovel that it dug well. Three million long tons of ore, with a value of $72 million, were made available by the blast. EXB 3D representation of the free faces. Groundwater Week See You at Booth 780 Merry Christmas and Happy, Prosperous New Year wishes to each and everyone ~ from the WWDR Team.
21 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® The Launch of AutoSep Technologies Adapted from Information by CNX Resources Corporation Deep Well Services (DWS) and CNX Resources Corp. announced a joint venture to launch AutoSepSM Technologies, a new oilfield service company providing step change improvement to conventional flowback operations. The new entity will benefit from the technological development capabilities of CNX and the service quality standard DWS provides to the industry. As a standalone company operated by DWS, AutoSep will have the flexibility and autonomy to provide automated flowback solutions to the gas and oil industry. The new, highly compact system can be deployed in a fraction of the time and requires less labor, while reducing costs, improving safety, and lowering the environmental impact associated with conventional flowback operations. Each year 20,000 wells are flowed back in the United States, along with 60,000 wells globally. "Leveraging CNX's proprietary and patent-pending technology, AutoSep's flowback solution simplifies and automates this early production phase significantly, reducing the footprint, hard iron connections, manpower required, and any inherent safety risks involved in performing such tasks," commented David Mulvihill, chief strategy officer of DWS. Mr. Mulvihill continued, "Additional benefits include remote operation and monitoring through SCADA [Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems] and closedcircuit cameras that feed to a central control center located outside of safety red zones. This also automates data collection, allowing customers to access data in real-time through DWS's industry-leading BoreSite® system." AutoSep's automated control unit allows for a fully sealed flowback effectively eliminating methane emissions, including sand trap blowdowns. This is considered to be the market's first readily available solution for capturing methane vapors, including during simultaneous operations. DWS and CNX believe the technology is applicable for drill out operations and intend to market the technology to operators across domestic and international gas and oil basins seeking to lower capital costs while reducing emissions. Ravi Srivastava, president of CNX New Technologies said, "CNX has been hard at work developing proprietary, game-changing technologies and processes to advance the state-of-the-art across the industry. With this collaboration, DWS and CNX are unlocking step change improvements in completions operations that check all the boxes - lower emissions, lower costs, and a safer process. Successful tests have been conducted on several recent CNX flowback operations, and we see enormous market potential for this solution and are excited to begin promoting the benefits of this new, innovative oilfield service across the U.S. and beyond." G&O Booth 1021
22 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Mining is the Backbone of the Economy Adapted from Information by the National Mining Association The significance of mining in the U.S. cannot be overstated, as it provides numerous direct and indirect jobs and is a major contributor to the economy. Mining is the backbone of the nation, powering infrastructures and supporting local communities through significant tax revenues. It is crucial to maintain a strong domestic mining industry for future generations. Unfortunately, even though mining is essential to our daily lives, it is easy for many to overlook, or misunderstand, the significant and irreplaceable role mining plays. Mining supplies the metals and minerals necessary for constructing and powering our country’s infrastructure, including steel, copper, and zinc for roads, railroads, bridges, and airports. Just how widespread are these materials? j Each American will use around 40,000 pounds of newly mined minerals per year to sustain their lifestyle. j The U.S. national highway system comprises approximately four million miles of road, with six billion tons of steel used in its construction. j An average American home contains 439 pounds of copper. j Compared to conventional gas-powered vehicles, electric vehicles require six times the amount of minerals to build. j The Department of Defense relies on 750,000 tons of minerals every year to create technologies and gear to protect our troops. The National Mining Association remains committed in working together with Congress, private industries, and thought leaders (a person or organization that is recognized as an authority in a specific field), to support the mining industry, which is critical to a healthy economy as well as unleash the full array of benefits that domestic mining provides. Editor’s Note: In between our print issues, the WWDR Team prepares an electronic newsletter called E-News Flash by WorldWide by WorldWide Drilling Resource®. This newsletter is filled with articles not included in our print issue. Based on readership, this was the most popular article of the month. Get in on the action and subscribe today at: worldwidedrillingresource.com MIN
23 DECEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Safety Concerns When Building in Yellowstone National Park Adapted from Information by the United States Geological Survey The Yellowstone River Bridge in Wyoming, was constructed in the early 1960s and has structural problems that require it to be replaced; it will be removed once the new Yellowstone River Bridge is completed. This project will also reroute part of the Northeast entrance road to the intersection of Grand Loop road. Safety was a concern when constructing this new 1285-foot-long and 175-foot-high steel girder bridge which is located within a hydrothermally active zone with multiple gas vents along the river’s edge. Because of its proximity to thermal activity, the large-drilled shafts which are 5-10 feet in diameter and 40-60 feet in depth required sulfate-resistant cement and thermal monitoring of belowgrade concrete curing to assure a stable bridge structure. To determine if modern-day drilling was impinging on the adjacent local hydrothermal system, geologists from the University of Wyoming measured and recorded temperature and pH variations in groundwater, the dirt and rock removed from the drill holes, and changes in groundwater electrical conductivity at specified time and depth intervals. A particular concern related to drilling was hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S), a toxic gas often associated with Yellowstone’s hydrothermal systems which has a faint rotten egg smell. At higher concentrations, H2S is odorless and extremely dangerous. Prolonged exposure can cause nausea, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, as well as eye and respiratory tract irritation and death if exposure is not reduced within 30-60 minutes. Geologists also monitored gas concentrations to help ensure a safe work environment. This monitoring involved equipping each worker with a personal H2S gas sensor to continuously monitor H2S levels around the drill site. In the event of an accidental and hazardous gas exposure, an oxygen supply and full protective gear were on-site to ensure a fast and effective response. A trigger action response plan was implemented to address any geologic hazards or risks to the workers. The plan gave three levels of response for various conditions that might be encountered during drilling operations of the bridge footings. Daily activities were documented with detailed reports of the drilling activities and a final drilling log for each of the 20 drilled shafts as part of the project. The drilling phase of the bridge project was completed without incident. Construction aboveground is ongoing, and scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2026. Photo courtesy of Ken Sims with the University of Wyoming. CONST The current bridge. Photo courtesy of Jacob Frank. A small, yellow, personal 4-gas safety monitor can be seen on the upper left breast pocket on the person in the far right of the picture. Photo courtesy of Ken Sims. Booth 502
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