Between conventional mud drilling and straight air drilling, there is another method that is well adapted to many parts of the country: reverse circulation drilling.

I got into a discussion the other night about derrick design, the different rigs and the reasons for the designs, so I thought I’d share a little of what I’ve learned over the years.

A while back, I wrote about gravel packs and well development, but I have had several calls and emails about wells that wouldn’t clear during development.

As usual, winter — or the slow season — is the time most drillers take the time to maintain their equipment in order to get ready for the peak season. One of the main parts that usually needs attention is the mud pump.

PVC casing is inexpensive, reliable, never rusts and, used within limits, will make a lifetime well. However, PVC has one major drawback: It is not as strong as steel pipe.

This month, I’d like to write about preparing ourselves for winter weather. After all, the rig won’t run itself.

Almost every well constructed, and virtually all drilled wells, use casing to support the hole and allow access to the producing horizon, be it oil, gas, water or most anything else under the ground.

I thought this would be a busy and interesting time for me lately, and it was. But not for the reasons I planned.

Gravel-packed wells are very efficient when done right. A crucial part of this is development.

Gravel packs are a well construction method that allows drillers to achieve maximum efficiency with minimum sand production.