Gel strength is one of the most important characteristics of an HDD drilling fluid, and understanding how to test for gel strength and adjust drilling fluids to varying soil conditions can greatly increase the success rate for HDD contractors.
Saltwater intrusion occurs naturally along the thousands of miles of U.S. coastline, though it is exacerbated by climatic events and increased water demand driven by population growth.
It is not an understatement to say that most drillers do not fancy drilling over water. After all, drilling on dry ground rarely throws the curves that must be dealt with when drilling over water.
In order to work properly, every bit is designed to run with a given amount of down pressure. It takes a certain amount of push. When drilling vertically, this is bit weight.
Experience and adapting to the times are two things that Tim Kelly, vice president of Brotcke Well & Pump (BWP) in Fenton, Mo., credits to his successful career.
The PDAC is one of the biggest mining conventions in the world; the attendance totaled 25,606 people from 130 countries. The annual event hosts people, companies and organizations in, or connected to, mineral exploration.
When stuck between a rock and a hard place, I was determined to come up with a solution to penetrate very coarse alluvial gravels, where traditional split spoon and Shelby-tube sampling methods could not.
I have had great success drilling around the world with multiple types of mud drilling in water well, exploration and construction. The success came from understanding the basic components of drilling fluids.
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