Volume 22 January 2025 Happy New Year!
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Are you Planning to go?...................................................42 Breaking News..................................................................13 Classifieds: WorldWide Buyers’ Guide™..............43-56 Education Connection......................................................42 Fun Page............................................................................32 Hot Off the Press.................................................................9 Obituary: Henson, Thresa Ann........................................24 Who’s in the News............................................................13 WorldWide Association Memberships................................54 WorldWide .........6 WorldWide Subscription Form...........................................39 Acker Drill Company.............................................................3 Advanced Water Well Technologies......................................9 Allegheny Instruments........................................................33 Atlantic Screen & Manufacturing, Inc. (ASI)........................28 Baker Water Systems.........................................................13 Better Water Industries Inc..................................................23 Bit Brokers International (BBI)............................................12 Bitco, Inc.............................................................................17 Drill King International.........................................................25 Drilling Equipment Sales, Inc. (DES)....................................2 Drilling Supply & Mfg (DSM)...............................................29 Empire State Water Well Drillers Assn. (ESWWDA) Ann. Mtg....34 ESI Supply..........................................................................42 GeoPro, Inc.........................................................................18 Geoprobe Systems®..............................................................1 Geothermal Supply Company, Inc. (GSC)..........................19 Heron Instruments, Inc.......................................................15 Hole Products ....................................................................20 Horizon Hoist......................................................................35 Horizon Hoist......................................................................41 Infinity Tool Manufacturing..................................................16 Infinity Tool Manufacturing..................................................55 KS Bit, Inc.............................................................................7 Louisiana Ground Water Assn. (LGWA) Convention...........40 Mills Machine Company, Inc...............................................30 Moab Bit and Tool Company, Inc.........................................26 N&N Drilling Supply.............................................................38 New England Water Well Assn. (NEWWA) Expo.................19 Palmer Bit Company.............................................................4 PennDrill Mfg......................................................................22 Pulstar Manufacturing.........................................................21 SEMCO, Inc........................................................................56 Shallow Exploration Drillers Clinic (SEDC).........................16 Star Iron Works, Inc. - Construction....................................37 Star Iron Works, Inc. - Water Well.......................................36 TDH Manufacturing Inc.......................................................53 Tennessee Water Well Assn. (TWWA) Ann. Mtg & Trade Show.....31 Texas Ground Water Association (TGWA) Convention.......24 Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC)....................14 Well-Vu, Inc.........................................................................27 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 January 2025 - Exploration / Blasthole 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® 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 PennDrill Mfg. Pulstar Mfg. Star Iron Works, Inc. T&T Carbide, Inc. VMAC Western Drilling Tools Outstanding Project Award Winner is........................11 E-News Readers’ Choice - Liebherr Offers Unique.....16 Jordan, Rick: My Friend Tom...................................23 Contamination Remediated with In Situ Stabilization....17 Smith, Billy Bob: The “Idiots” Corner.......................18 Students Collecting Cores for an NSF Project...........22 Silver One Commences Drilling at Phoenix Silver.....12 Peterson, Ronald: Exploration and Blasthole..............15 2024 Summer-Fall Exploration and Development.....28 Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility...........................37 Wilson, Jr., Robert Evans: The Un-Comfort Zone II.....8 Best Management Practices for the Gas and Oil Ind...33 A New CO2 Research Well at LSU............................34 Chevron’s Technology and Innovation.......................38 What is a Geotechnical Report?................................14 Terracon Creating a Powerful Resource with Data....24 Proposal for Scientific Drilling in a Volcanic Area.......32 Battersby, Mark E.: Drilling Into Money Not Boring..40 MGS Launches New Thermo-Loops®........................19 Storkson, Britt: Battery Bust....................................31 Constructing a Borefield on Science Hill.....................20 Connor, Tim: Self-Imposed Limitations....................35 bauma 2025 Kicks Off...............................................26 Responsible Mining.........................................................30 Rasmussen, Tim: Water for Life International..........21 Tips for Selecting the Proper DTH Hammer ~ Pt 2....25 New Water Well and Pump for the Bentley-Brown Family....27 Sustainable Technologies Lead to Soil Cleanup........36 5 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
Well, it certainly is going to be an exciting year ahead of us. Isn’t it? Since today is the first day of the rest of our lives, I would like to wish each and every one of you, along you, along with the rest of our WWDR Team, great wishes for every new day, of this NEW YEAR, to be the very best it can be. Enjoy each day to its fullest. Head out to work being happy you have that opportunity. Smile at people you see, whether you know them or not. You will be greatly surprised at the happiness your one smile will have on their lives. Change your attitude toward past bad results, and make a better plan for the future. 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 Rick Jordan 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 2025 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 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® With Pen - Computer in hand . . . Veronica I. “Ronnie” Jones, 850-547-0102 ronnie@worldwidedrillingresource.com Next Up . . . Mountain States Ground Water Expo ~ See you on the trail . . . Featured Articles for January Silver Project Begins Drilling Page 12 bauma 2025 Page 26 Exploration Activities Page 28 Blasting Safety Page 37 Selecting DTH Hammers ~ Pt. 2 Page 25
8 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® The Un-Comfort Zone II by Robert Evans Wilson, Jr. Help, My Motivation Dried Up! The COVID years did it to me. They sucked the motivation right out of me. The lockdown - not being able to leave the house; no speaking engagements because no one was holding in-person conferences; my favorite restaurant going out of business because the economy was shut down; no social life with human gatherings prohibited; plus the nonstop fear-mongering from the media. The uncertainty of it all had a cumulative effect. I lost interest in the book I was writing. I quit marketing my business because it felt like a waste of time. My mantra of “this too shall pass” was wearing thin. I felt like I had no enthusiasm to do anything. It wasn’t like I didn’t have anything to do because I always have plenty of tasks needing to be done (my house, for example, always needs some sort of maintenance), but I simply couldn’t find the energy to even start. It was as if my energy had drained away. I felt lethargic. I didn’t care about anything. I was apathetic. Nothing was interesting to me. I couldn’t arouse my passion. I found myself wasting time watching TV and eating too much comfort food. I feel like the cause of my ennui (weariness and dissatisfaction) was the negative news in the media. It’s hard to get excited about anything when all you hear and see is the devastation of war, disease, poverty, rioting, inflation, homelessness, injustice, pollution, and natural disasters. I had no power to fix the problems of the world and I was feeling stressed and overwhelmed. It was as if my body, mind, and spirit wanted to withdraw. My lack of motivation wasn’t boredom, although people sometimes confuse one with the other. Boredom can actually be a good thing because it stimulates creativity. When you have absolutely nothing to do (which seldom happens these days with all of us having smartphones to entertain us), your creative mind kicks in and you start thinking of new things you can do and try. For a while, I wondered if I’d ever be interested in doing anything again. Finally, I turned off my TV and started riding my bike. Once I’d cleared my mind of the negativity, I figured out what to do. I started studying subjects I’d always been interested in, but never had the time to pursue. Subjects unlikely to advance my career - just my knowledge base. Nevertheless, I became obsessed. I found my passion again. Indulging my curiosity in those subjects felt like a guilty pleasure because I was making few efforts anywhere else. Call it self-care because it made me feel good; I quit worrying about the things I had no power over. If you find you’ve lost your motivation, take a walk in a park or on the sidewalks of the city. I’m not talking about an exercise walk but an exploration walk. Look around. Allow your curiosity to run wild. Notice things you’ve never noticed before. One of my favorite innovation tools for stimulating creativity (especially when you’ve gotten stuck on a problem) is to take a walk around the block to get the blood moving in your body. When you return, you’ll see the issue from a new perspective. The same is true with your mood. If you are suffering ennui and feeling bored or listless, go for a walk. When you return - just like the creative thinkers - you’ll likely view the world in a different light. Bicycling is my favorite exercise, but not on my stationary bike which I have in my house for days when the weather is bad. Pedaling for the sake of getting my heart rate up gets real boring, real fast. Come winter, my motivation for riding in the cold hits its lowest point. For me to find the motivation to get on my exercycle, I put on a podcast. If it’s interesting enough, I’ll forget I’m pedaling and get wrapped up in the show and keep going until it’s over. If you lose your motivation, don’t criticize or judge yourself. Don’t call yourself lazy or useless. Be compassionate with yourself and try to understand your lack of motivation. Start by turning off your TV - it can rob you of your zest for life. Try to change your thoughts and what you are focusing on. Focusing on your lack of motivation will only reinforce it. Try using mindfulness techniques to bring you back into the present to stop yourself from ruminating on the past or future tripping. When you feel negative thoughts developing, shift into positive thinking by reciting an affirmation or two. If it’s a task you dread, create some anticipation about a positive outcome or think about the parts you do enjoy. Sometimes my to-do list can be downright intimidating. I’ve found starting with the easiest task gives me a sense of accomplishment and it revs me up to do more. Occasionally I have to make myself start, but I’ve found once I get moving, motivation follows. Setting specific goals tends to be more motivating than vague goals, such as “I’ll try to do better.” The more specific you are, the more likely you are to achieve them and the better you will feel when you complete them. Having a purpose in life means you are pursuing a long-term goal you're passionate about, which requires you to use your natural talents. It’s all about getting so involved and absorbed you completely lose track of time. If you don’t know what your purpose is, there is a simple way to find it - follow your joy. Joy is such a powerful emotion it speaks the truth from the depths of your subconscious. Think of the things that brought you joy in the past. You can also find your purpose by trying new activities: take a class; join a club; volunteer; learn a new skill; or start a new hobby. Draw on your strengths. Take a moment and remember what you do best, what you are good at, and then consider how you can incorporate more of those into your life. Examine the patterns of your life. What has energized you in the past? What has drained you of energy? Pursue more of what lifts you up and avoid that which brings you down. Are you overwhelmed? What can you eliminate or outsource to ease the burden? If, however, you lack motivation because you are depressed, then consider seeking professional help. 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
9 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Mining Equipment Now in North America Ontario, Canada-based Archer Mining & Civil Services (AMCS) is proud to work with a number of reliable, industry-leading partners to offer high-quality products and expert services to the mining industry and civil development sectors. The company’s latest collaboration is with Jacon Equipment from Australia. Jacon Equipment is well-recognized for their innovative approach to cuttingedge technologies, focusing on safety and cost-effectiveness. AMCS will provide its North American customers with Jacon’s operator-friendly mining and tunneling equipment, including: a Shotcrete Equipment and Explosives Charging a Concrete Pumping and Transportation a Complete Line of Batch Mixers and Combo Units a Utility Vehicles For a link, click on this box in our online issue. No online issue? Register at worldwidedrillingresource.com • SIGNING BONUS • PAID VACATION • PAID HOLIDAYS • HEALTH INSURANCE • RELOCATION PACKAGE* PROJECT MANAGERS & PUMP INSTALLERS Join Our Team! Take the next step in your career with a company that values people! Call Us Today: 830-865-2362 Advanced Water Well Technologies, a leading Commercial and Municipal Well Service Contractor in Texas, is hiring experienced Project Managers and Pump Installers! Join a fast-growing company specializing in Lineshaft Turbines, Submersibles, and Complete Water Well Rehabilitations.
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11 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Outstanding Project Award Winner is. . . Adapted from Information by Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) Established in 1997, the Outstanding Project Award (OPA) recognizes the superior work of DFI members. A committee selects the projects based on size, scope, and challenges of the project; degree of innovation and ingenuity exercised; and uniqueness of the solution to the difficulties of the job. This year’s runner up is The Heights, a residential development in San Diego submitted by PB&A, Inc. The soil nail wall, designed and built as part of this project, is the tallest permanent soil nail wall ever built in the U.S. at 105 feet. In addition, it was built in a narrow strip of land sandwiched between a major road and a massive hillside that rises to a San Diego Gas & Electric easement and high-tension electrical tower above. The winner of the 2024 DFI OPA is the Plaquemines LNG (liquefied natural gas) Driven Pile Megaproject, submitted by Cajun Industries. The project is a new, 632-acre LNG export facility located in Port Sulphur, Louisiana, owned by Venture Global Plaquemines LNG. The team started with a modest test pile program, employing only one pile driving rig, and by project completion, its contribution had expanded to 30 piling rigs, pile installation across 15 diverse scopes of work, and providing a dedicated workforce of more than 200 employees. This work included single piece pipe piles up to 145 feet long, precast concrete piles up to 120 feet, 41 cofferdams with sheet piles in lengths up to 80 feet, as well as 140-foot H-piles, pile crushing, and a comprehensive test pile program featuring more than 150 load tests. Overall, crews installed 18,300 piles of various types and sizes. CONST
Silver One Commences Drilling at Phoenix Silver Project Adapted from Information by Silver One Resources Inc. Drilling has begun at Silver One’s Phoenix Silver Project located near Globe, Arizona. The company is focused on developing high-quality silver products and is excited about the potential of the 417 target area, which is in the current drill permit and contains high-grade silver vein fragments, including those found in the central part of the property. Although this fragment is a collector’s specimen and not evaluated, specific gravity testing indicates a high concentration of native silver, potentially up to 70%. The drilling program consists of 8200 feet including up to 40 diamond drill holes off 13 different drill pads. Seven priority silver and polymetallic targets have been delineated to date using a drone-mounted magnetic survey and via geological mapping conducted in selected areas of the property. Rock sampling, soil geochemistry, and geophysical surveys conducted over selected areas have also delineated anomalies that coincide with exploration targets, as well as highlighting the importance of the 417-pound silver fragment target and Mexican Mine areas. Greg Crowe, Silver One’s President, CEO, and Director commented, “We are very excited to initiate the inaugural drilling program at this exceptional project. The property has never been drilled, but the outlook is promising as evidenced by the abundance and nature of the very highgrade silver fragments found around the drilling area. The angular and unabraded nature to the fragments that have been discovered at shallow depths under the cover soil suggests this material has not traveled far from its suspected source. The best drill targets identified to date are just upslope from where the 417-pound fragment was uncovered and are coincidental with the location of geophysical and geochemical anomalies.” Approximately half of the property has been explored, with less than 50% prospected and geochemically sampled, and only a fraction has been mapped in detail. Over 200 silver samples have been collected, indicating potential for more areas to yield positive results with continued exploration. Silver One management is optimistic about the larger scale exploration potential of the property. EXB What type of articles are you looking for? Just ask us and we will find them. sophia@worldwidedrillingresource.com 12 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
13 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Ideal Blasting Partners with Mirion Technologies Ideal Blasting Supply, a market leader in the blasting supply industry for over 40 years, announced an exciting new partnership with Mirion Technologies, a global leader in radiation detection and monitoring solutions. This collaboration will allow the company to expand its portfolio, offering state-of-the-art products like the AccuRad™ PRD. Mirion Technologies is a trusted name in radiation detection, providing critical solutions to professionals working in high-stakes environments. Their product range is built on decades of innovation, delivering tools that enhance safety and operational effectiveness in the most challenging scenarios. To celebrate the partnership, Ideal Blasting will soon host a series of webinars and product demonstrations to showcase the capabilities of Mirion products. For a link, click on this box in our online issue. No online issue? Register at worldwidedrillingresource.com WHO’S IN THE NEWS Additional announcement from Hexagon can be found in our online issue at worldwidedrillingresource.com 2025 MVP of Underground Infrastructure Industry Mark L. Boyer, CEO of Houston-based Boyer, Inc., has been selected as the Most Valuable Professional of the underground infrastructure industry for 2025. He will be formally honored at a special luncheon on March 4, 2025, at the annual Underground Infrastructure Conference. The award is cosponsored by the Underground Construction Technology Association and Underground Infrastructure magazine.
14 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® What is a Geotechnical Report? Adapted from Information by Creek Engineering A geotechnical report is a comprehensive document assessing the geological and ground conditions of a site. It provides valuable insights into the ground’s stability, potential risks such as soil softness or soil liquefaction, as well as recommendations for design and construction based on these findings. By understanding its significance, components, and how to obtain one, you can protect the safety, stability, and success of your project. Geotechnical soil reports are not just a formality; they are essential for various reasons. To ensure structural integrity, the report analyzes ground conditions, and engineers can design foundations and structures capable of withstanding geological challenges. Understanding potential hazards allows for risk mitigation strategies to be implemented early in the project along with many jurisdictions which require geotechnical reports as part of the permitting process for construction projects. Addressing soil-related issues before construction can prevent costly delays and repairs later. Make sure project managers are ready with a full report of design plans and any details of the ground properties you’re already aware of. If you plan to bring in heavy equipment to prepare the site, make sure to let the geotechnical engineers know the dates so they are prepared for any unexpected conditions. During the site investigation, a geotechnical professional will visit to record actual soil conditions (even subsurface conditions). A thorough soil report will include all types of soil composition details. Here are some of the physical conditions they will look for: backfill material, dry weight, dry densities, rock properties, water table height, slope stability, soft soils, soil moisture content, and expansive soils. Once the soil samples are reviewed, the geotechnical firm will provide site design recommendations based on the soil classifications and mechanical properties. The soil test report will include sections on difficulties present, such as soil erosion, sandy soil, steep construction slopes, solid rock and soft rock, and other related geologic hazards. Experienced geotechnical engineers will include notes on more than complicated data from soil boring. You’ll get actionable recommendations regarding structural design, affects on adjacent structures, cost estimates, groundwater levels, foundation settlement, and other helpful data for your development projects. A geotechnical report shouldn’t just be designed to get a quick building permit, it should provide helpful information as well! Every report from a quality geotechnical firm will include a helpful section of recommendations. Photo courtesy of Geoprobe Systems®. GEOTECH
15 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Exploration and Blasthole by Ronald B. Peterson, Drilling Fluids Specialist Happy New Year! Hopefully you all had an enjoyable and relaxing holiday break, you got lots of rest, and are ready to get back to work, turning to the right and perforating the earth. Welcome back! This month, we will talk about exploration and blasthole drilling. Drilling in either of these disciplines is arguably some of the most difficult conditions in the drilling industry. Exploration drilling is usually targeted to areas where there has been little or no previous drilling, so there are minimal drilling records to review and determine the best equipment or what drilling fluid will be the most effective. Normally, some surface and geophysical work has been done to determine the best locations to drill that will verify the desired potential mineralization to justify moving the project ahead. These preliminary holes may be drilled with any type of drilling rig, but in recent years, dual tube reverse circulation seems to be the preferred weapon of choice. Lew Eklund, founder of Eklund Drilling, out of Carlin, Nevada, was a pioneer in this industry and instrumental in developing the Cyclo Blower, which improved the ability to separate the microscopic Carlin Trend gold. This is responsible for the magnitude of the gold mining industry in what is known as The Silver State. Lew Eklund was the first drilling contractor to drill for microscopic gold. Blasthole drilling is a method used in mining, quarrying, and sometimes in construction operations. The initial hole into which the explosives are packed is known as the “blasthole.” A hole is drilled into the rock, which is already very broken, then loaded or packed with explosive material - usually small aggregate called prill - and detonated. The aim of this technique is to induce cracks in the geology of the surrounding rock to facilitate associated mining activity. Surface blasthole drilling is, for want of a better term, production drilling on steroids. The rig is normally moved with the mast up. This is typically a no-no in most drilling operations. The formations being drilled have usually been drilled and blasted previously; therefore, the formation is already broken and friable. Fortunately, the holes are usually relatively shallow, but they still have to remain open and stable long enough to pack the hole or place the charge. Thank-you to all of the dedicated and professional members of the drilling industry. Without you and your efforts, mankind would be in bad trouble since water is one of the three components needed to sustain life. Always remember, “A man has to know his limitations,” but he doesn’t have to be defined by them. He can raise the bar. 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. Your input helps 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 Ron Peterson may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com EXB
16 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Liebherr Offers Unique Training Experience Adapted from Information by Liebherr USA Liebherr USA, Co.’s earthmoving and material handling technology team held its 2024 North American Sales and Training Seminar for both internal and external distribution network participants. Liebherr employees from the U.S., Canada, and Europe participated in the event which was held in Richmond and Emporia, Virginia. “We are thrilled to host this year’s North American Sales and Training Seminar. Based on the excellent feedback from last year’s national training, we are pleased to expand this event and welcome our colleagues and sales professionals from Canada further reflecting on the importance of the North American market to the Liebherr Group,” noted Kai Friedrich, managing director of Liebherr USA, Co., and divisional director of earthmoving and material handling technology. More than 100 people participated in the two-day event which provided extensive handson training for several products. Each station was equipped with multiple machines including crawler excavators, wheel loaders, dozers, material handlers, and the TA 230 articulated dump truck. The stations also featured a digital display set up and observation tents for onlookers while product managers gave walk-around presentations highlighting each machine's latest features and innovative technologies. “The North American Sales and Training Seminar is crucial in equipping our extensive distribution network with the necessary tools to be successful. The training acts as driving force for our internal teams to provide informative resources and comprehensive support to our dealer sales channels,” said Nick Rogers, general manager of product management. “We believe that by fostering a deeper understanding of our product lines and technologies, sales representatives will be better prepared to engage customers confidently, offering solutions that deliver results.” The event gave attendees the chance to apply their product knowledge to real-world applications with the assistance of Liebherr’s certified product managers on-site, while also providing an excellent opportunity for industry networking. “This is a great opportunity to showcase Liebherr’s product quality, innovation, and support services across our local U.S. distribution network. Together, we can show that Liebherr is a major player in the North American market, and we will continue to expand our presence,” said Friedrich. 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 Participants were offered hands-on training and even individual seat time in the equipment. CONST 58th Annual Shallow Exploration Drillers Clinic April 8 - 10, 2025 Sioux Falls, South Dakota Registration Details Coming Soon! Trade Show Exhibits Networking Opportunities Educational Seminars
17 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Contamination Remediated with In Situ Stabilization Adapted from Information by Cascade Environmental Cascade Environmental managed multiple challenges, including unexpected soil conditions and utility issues at an active shipping facility that was a former paint manufacturing site. The site-specific contamination in the groundwater was Tert-butanol or tert-Butyl alcohol (TBA) and many more. The TBA was reportedly flushing from the area with seasonal groundwater flow from a former underground tank farm. The property owner worked with a third-party consultant and Cascade’s direct client to contract with multiple engineering companies to design a remedial approach to stop the release of TBA. The objective of the remedial plan was to isolate the flow of groundwater from the area to solidify and stabilize the contaminated soil using in situ solidification and stabilization (ISS). The company had to install an initial five-foot-wide, 20 to 33-foot-deep barrier slurry wall around the impacted area before conducting the full-scale ISS operations which was 405,000 cubic feet. The barrier wall was to cut off groundwater flow to and from the suspected TBA source, which was expected to be encountered between seven and 13 feet belowground. In addition, they had to remove concrete, asphalt, light poles, curbs, and fencing within the area, as well as identify and relocate an unspecified number of underground utilities. Cascade quickly identified why the TBA had become so mobile, and why former remedial work was not entirely effective. The area had been backfilled almost exclusively with bluestone, which undermined the soil and clay formations, creating voids where groundwater was settling, as well as contacting source material, and subsequently flushing into and contaminating seasonal groundwater flow. The bluestone also created an excavation issue because the stone did not set, stabilize, solidify, or hold appropriately. They siphoned out and filtered the groundwater, adding it to the slurry mixture being pumped back into the ground. The team was able to quickly respond to any situation and update the feasibility of the ISS mix design, the ISS approach, and material management. Another challenge was two conduits for electric and telecom proved to be over 14 conduits of unknown contents ranging from data, to electric, to fiber-optic, as well as a sanitary sewer line. Conduits had also been placed underground below groundwater, and replacing or rerouting conduits in the same area would not be safe or to code, so they had to proactively plan a new route with new manhole covers above the finished ISS grade, but safely below the eventual asphalt and parking lot. As the company identified more utilities, the team worked closely with the active site owner and a contracted electrician to identify their functions and relocate the utilities safely and legally within a week. As these challenges arose, Cascade addressed them by working diligently with the property owner, tenant, engineers, and client to provide and identify solutions. The need to collaborate with multiple parties and complete in situ remediation work in conjunction with utility relocation, temporary power, and space management made for a challenging and dynamic experience. Cascade completed all ISS remediation work and restored the area to existing or better conditions. Working diligently and thoughtfully, the company helped the engineer and client so both maintained their initial budgets. The project was finished six days ahead of schedule despite multiple setbacks and major changes in scope including change orders and unknown conditions in the field. The client, property owner, consultant, engineer, and current tenant were happy with the innovative and resourceful project execution. ENV
18 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® The “Idiots” Corner by “Billy Bob Smith” I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist. I know I did an article on New Year’s Resolutions, but with the crazy stuff going on in the country and world now, I thought it deserved another shot. Can you believe it’s 2025? It seems like yesterday I was in the prime of life - now I’m heading to, well you know, Seniorville. So I thought I would reflect on some past resolutions and ask you to do the same, and maybe even take a new approach to them. First, a quick definition: Resolutions - a firm decision to do or not do something. New Year’s resolutions are promises you make to yourself to improve your life in some way. And as I begin, have you ever made resolutions at the end of the year? Broke them? Wish you had done others? Wish you had not given up on them? Are you tired of making the same old New Year’s resolutions and failing to stick to them? Maybe it’s time to switch things up and choose funny resolutions instead. Instead of focusing on negative things you want to change about yourself, you’re focusing on things that will make you laugh and bring joy into your life. Plus, when you share your funny resolutions with others, you’re spreading positivity and making them smile, too. So why not give funny resolutions a try this year? Who knows, you might just find they’re easier to stick to and more enjoyable than the same old serious resolutions. A few examples: • One year, I promised myself to not give up on my resolutions until I achieved them. Well, that didn’t turn out well. • A few years ago, I decided to change the resolution concept to monthly rather than yearly. Well, not such a great idea. • I have always tried to figure out the difference between personal goals and resolutions - aren’t they the same thing? Well, I have never been able to convince myself of this one. What’s the craziest resolution you have tried and failed? Is it just idiots who deal with this whole idea in a self-denial attitude, or do some of the wise folks make the same mistakes? I’ll close this with a few thoughts, ideas, or suggestions - call them what you will. Just keep in mind, they are coming from the mind of a lifelong idiot. 1) Stop making resolutions. 2) Stop calling them resolutions. 3) Let someone close to you choose your resolutions for you. 4) If you fail at any of them - blame someone else. 5) Start calling them wishes instead of resolutions. 6) Get a “Resolution Buddy” so when you fail, you have someone to point the finger at. 7) Make them so easy even the laziest, least focused, dumbest, biggest idiot in the world could accomplish them. And a final thought, consider making 2025 a positive year to remember and not another one filled with stupid, dumb, or crazy actions, decisions, choices, or behaviors that get in the way of your success, happiness, and peace. Billy Bob Contact him via e-mail to michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com “Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving the road to success with them, as usual.” ~Mark Twain If you are reading this - you have missed the deadline for your ad to be included in the February issue :( BUT You can get into the March issue! kevin@worldwidedrillingresource.com has all the answers!
19 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® MGS Launches New Thermo-Loops® Adapted from Information by Marton Geotechnical Services Ltd Established in 1988, MGS (Marton Geotechnical Services) is a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialist quality products for use in ground investigation, water well and geothermal drilling applications, railway drainage, landfill gas extraction, and more. Since the company added the supply of ground source materials to its extensive product range in 2004, MGS has been at the forefront of geothermal and ground source heat supplies with their Thermo-Loops® receiving notable success. This sustainable method of heating is becoming progressively more popular for its low running costs, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits. “Ground source heat extraction is increasingly the best solution for residences, businesses, and industrial buildings to create more sustainable and cost-effective heat. With our expanded range of Thermo-Loops, ground source heat systems can be deeper and larger with ease and dependability,” stated Darren Portway, division manager at MGS. MGS expanded their Thermo-Loops range to include larger diameter pipes to meet the growing demands for higher capacity ground source heat pump systems. The larger diameter Thermo-Loop pipes can also be supplied complete with an integral sacrificial tremie pipe to help with ease of installation and grouting procedure. The new diameters are supported by a full range of electrofusion fittings. They are available as single or double loops, in any length to suit individual project requirements and are made from virgin grade PE100-RC polyethylene (PE) material. Each Thermo-Loop has its own unique serial number and pressure test certificates can be provided for each loop. “Smaller diameter loops can experience pressure drops in deeper borehole installations. So, our [larger diameter] Thermo-Loops are designed to help alleviate this issue and ensure deeper systems operate at maximum efficiency,” Darren said. A borehole is drilled in the ground, into which the Thermo-Loop is installed. Powered by a pump, a glycol fluid is circulated around the loop to extract heat from the ground and deliver it back to the heat pump where it passes through a compressor to increase the temperature. It is then passed through a heat exchanger and transferred to radiators or underfloor heating to warm the building. Thermal loops can also help provide cooling by reversing the process to transfer excess heat from the building to the ground. MGS Thermo-Loops are manufactured in accordance with Ground Source Heat Pump Association standards to ensure the underground heat exchange system is built to last. “We’re excited to continue developing new products and support our industry with innovative geothermal solutions that ensure heating is heading towards a sustainable and costeffective future,” concluded Darren. 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 Phone: 845-278-1892 E-mail: NEWWEXPO@gmail.com newwassociation.org Contact: ____________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ State/Zip Code: ______________________________________________________ Phone & Fax : _______________________________________________________ E-mail: ______________________________________________________________ *Preregistration - $25 per person On-site Registration - $30 Spouse & Children under 16 years - FREE Registrant(s) Names: ________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Credit Card Type ________________________ Expiration Date _ _ / _ _ Credit Card # ____________________________________________________________ Complete this form and fax to: (845) 278-1899 or mail to: NEWWA c/o Markets Beyond Inc. 7 Bailey Lane, Brewster NY 10509 Preregistration NEWWA New England Water Well Assoc. Expo March 14-15, 2025 Best Western - Marlborough, Massachusetts *Preregistration Deadline: March 1, 2025
20 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Constructing a Borefield on Science Hill Adapted from Information by Yale University Yale is preparing for a future where every building on campus will be energy efficient and capable of meeting its needs for heating, cooling, and electricity. University leaders, as well as state and local officials, gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking of the new Physical Sciences and Engineering Building, which is the centerpiece of the new Upper Science Hill Building Complex. The overall project includes a host of specialized design features that promote advanced scientific research and sustainability, including drilling more than 250 geothermal wells. This project covers a vast area of 16 acres, which will have a significant impact on Yale’s research landscape, attracting the best minds, reducing energy consumption, and accelerating discoveries in various fields. Alongside the cutting-edge science features are innovative sustainability elements, including the field of geothermal boreholes now being drilled at the site. Three geothermal drilling rigs arrived on upper Science Hill to begin constructing a borefield to support a new thermal utilities plant for the Upper Science Hill Development. All rigs are operated using directional drilling technology, which is an advanced approach for operating in contained areas. The holes, each one at least 800 feet deep, are being created with a new, angled drilling technique in which boreholes are drilled both vertically and at angles radiating out from a central “spine” to areas well beneath existing and future structures. The project team estimates the drilling work will continue through summer of 2026. Once finished, the Science Hill geothermal grid will connect to nearby buildings and the new thermal utilities plant. The geothermal network and thermal plant will dramatically advance Yale’s climate action goals, using electric equipment to circulate water, replacing steam. The system will send heat to the underground borefield during the summer months and pull heat from the ground in winter. Photo by Yale Facilities. HDD
21 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® by Tim Rasmussen Water for Life is moving closer to realizing our goal of having a newer rotary rig to increase our ability to drill more wells to serve the people in remote villages in Guatemala. As mentioned last month, this is a project we have been working toward for a while. We have encountered many obstacles, but have worked through them successfully. Merle Hoover of East West Drilling in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, has also been working to help Water for Life. He had his crews working on the rig, a 1989 SIMCO 2800 HS (HT) drill, retrofitting it for water well drilling. After months of effort, it is finally ready to be mounted on a truck. The retrofit involved several things: c A sand line for well bailing needed to be added. It needed to run at 250+/- feet per minute. The drum capacity needed to be 400-500 feet of 5/16-inch cable. c One deck engine needed to be increased to 80-100 horsepower (hp). We figured we needed about 60 hp for the mud pump and 25 hp for the hydraulics. c The cathead needed to be removed and the Moyno pump, pump suction pipes, and other items not needed for water well drilling needed to be removed as well. We wanted a camlock fitting directly onto the mud pump. c The drill table needed to be modified so it could be locked in position onto the back of the truck when the mast is up. Having the tophead drive will give us many advantages we have not had previously. c Wrenches, hoisting plugs, and tooling for drill rods were also needed. We will be using ten-foot rods in Guatemala, and wanted some type of rack to hold the rods. c We already have a 750-cfm compressor rebuilt to factory specifications and will be mounted on a refurbished 1981 International truck which has a mechanical (not electronic) DT466 engine. This truck is purchased and will be shipped at the same time. This will give us the capability of drilling with air or mud. All of these modifications were completed by East West Drilling. We also needed some adapters to mate up to other threads. We can figure this out completely when we are finally ready to go. In a developing country like Guatemala, the SIMCO rig with the configuration we have planned, and with the continued providence of the Good Lord, will serve the people for many years to come. If you would like to help, contact Gary Bartholomew at 509-939-1941. Tim Tim Rasmussen may be contacted via e-mail to michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com WTR
22 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Students Collecting Cores for an NSF Project Adapted from Information by NSF University students play an important role in advancing science supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Last year, Ryan Thigpen, Mike McGlue, their students, and a team of coring experts anchored a platform in the middle of Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, and extracted a 100-foot-long tube of sediment from water depths greater than 400 feet. The core could reveal evidence for more recent earthquakes along the Teton fault, which the team has suggested may extend across the Yellowstone caldera. This giant crater first formed following a huge eruption 2.1 million years ago and the last known significant quake recognized along the fault occurred approximately 5000 years ago. Thigpen and McGlue, along with coinvestigators Ed Woolery, Summer Brown, and Kevin Yeager, are professors at the University of Kentucky. They are collaborating with experts from the NSF-supported Continental Scientific Drilling Facility at the University of Minnesota to study the region’s seismic and climate history. “The coolest thing about this project is that it not only involves so many fellow faculty members but also brings in students from undergraduates to Ph.D. students,” Thigpen said. “I love working with students and taking them to cool places.” When this project concludes, it will live on in an NSF Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Track 1 project to combat climate change in Kentucky. “Our Teton project helped provide students with skills and training that they can continue to refine and apply in the EPSCoR project,” Thigpen said. From collecting cores, measuring microbes, to collecting water samples, NSF has many options for students to support principal investigator-led projects. In addition to supporting these NSF projects, high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral researchers, can also directly seek these options with NSF 101 on funding opportunities. Photo courtesy of Summer Brown, University of Kentucky. The expedition scientists along with the entire ANSEP middle school academy, including students and staff. Photo courtesy of ANSEP. ENV
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