7 NOVEMBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® A Collaborative Triumph in Training and Innovation Adapted from Information by Equip International Equip International, a North Carolina-based 501(c)(3) organization, stands at the forefront of missionary support and training. Dedicated to advancing global development, Equip focuses on five critical areas: Medical, Housing, Food Production, Community Development, and Water Technologies. Under the visionary leadership of Equip International’s President Ben Adkins, the organization is undergoing a transformative period, introducing innovative strategies, and expanding its impact. Adkins has been pivotal in driving the organization’s forward momentum. His fresh and innovative approach is revolutionizing how the organization trains individuals and supports missions. One of Equip’s significant achievements over the past two decades has been its training programs in rotary mud drilling led by Director of Appropriate Technology Kieth Larrimore. The organization has effectively used the LS-100 manual drilling rig to create six-inch boreholes through various rock formations up to 100 feet deep and has taught essential manual drilling methods such as hand augering and manual percussion. A landmark moment came about 15 years ago when the organization sought advice from Givens International Drilling Supplies. This led to a valuable partnership with Mark Whittle of Baroid Industrial Drilling Products (IDP). Before Whittle’s involvement, Equip used more than a bag of bentonite per well, alongside guar gum, which proved inefficient. Whittle’s expertise in drilling fluids enabled the organization to halve their bentonite use by adjusting pH levels and incorporating polymers. This not only improved the quality of the boreholes, but also minimized the risk of contaminating aquifers with materials that could sustain microbial life. Whittle began his distinguished career in 1989 as a geologist, specializing in drilling, coring, and well design and construction at the Pinewood hazardous waste landfill, in South Carolina. His early work at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) was instrumental in the Central Midlands Private Well Program in Columbia, South Carolina. As one of the four original inspectors for the private well program, Whittle's contributions were pivotal in improving local well standards and environmental safety. He also worked with the DHEC Federal Facilities Group and continued to make significant strides in environmental protection and clean-up. Transitioning to Baroid IDP, Whittle applied his expertise across the Southeast, focusing on optimizing drilling techniques and improving well performance. Driven by a deep-seated passion for solving complex water-related challenges, Whittle finds immense satisfaction in helping communities worldwide access clean, safe drinking water. He is dedicated to educating others about the opportunities for learning well drilling techniques, ensuring the most vulnerable populations have access to essential water resources. His knowledge and experience have been a blessing to all those he has trained at Equip. The evolution in Equip’s training methodologies reflects this enhancement. Students from across North America and around the world have benefited from a streamlined approach, which has significantly boosted their success rates in their respective mission endeavors. Furthermore, Kyle Hoover, a hydrogeologist, engineer, and Equip board member, has enriched the association’s programs by offering evening classes on well drilling and site assessment, further augmenting the training experience. Equip’s collaboration with Baroid IDP introduced the organization to Matthew Brown of Yadkin Well Company, Inc., who has made substantial contributions to training with improved grouting and well abandonment techniques. Brown, who has extensive experience drilling in challenging environments like Haiti, has also facilitated the establishment of a well at Equip's Innovation Village showcasing various appropriate technologies. The new well drilling and installation served as an educational offering for over 120 drill operators, environmental health experts, and hydrogeologists from across the state. This effort was supported by several key figures and organizations: Ashley Moretz of Moretz Well provided the well drilling services, and Grundfos, through Chris Myers, donated a versatile pump capable of operating on either solar or grid energy. This collaborative effort highlights Equip’s commitment to practical, innovative solutions that can be applied in remote and resource-limited settings. The introduction of these advancements is a testament to the collaborative spirit driving Equip International. Mark Whittle’s insights into fluid dynamics, Matthew Brown’s expertise in drilling practices, and the support from organizations like Grundfos have all played crucial roles in refining Equip’s training programs. Ben Adkins’ leadership, combined with the contributions from these dedicated experts, is steering Equip International toward new horizons. Their collective efforts ensure Equip continues to provide high-quality training and support to those engaged in mission work and development projects. For more information about Equip International and its range of classes, please visit their website https://www.EquipInternational.org Video of the Innovation Village well drilling can be found on the organization’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@EquipInternational. Matthew Brown, Yadkin Well Company, Inc.; Mark Whittle, Baroid IDP; Jonathan Kamianka, Bill's Well Drilling; Bobby Allred and Russell Underwood, Charles R. Underwood, Inc. WTR
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