How to Choose well drilling head?

It&#;s not surprising that water well drilling is an ancient undertaking. About 8,000 years ago, the first water wells were hand dug to supply a safe, clean and reliable water source for the earliest civilizations. Our need for water has not changed, but well drilling technology has come a long way since then.

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In some areas of the world, manually digging a water well is still the cheapest and most practical way to improve water accessibility, especially for one-off wells. However, for contractors and groups looking to add or expand their water well drilling capabilities long term, mechanical drilling can offer a faster, more efficient option.

There are two things to keep in mind when choosing water well drilling equipment: 1) The method must match the geology. 2) Consider the costs, both short term and long term. For a single well, manual techniques might not cost much, but can hand drilling methods handle soil conditions on your site? And how does the overall cost play out for digging multiple wells? On the other hand, mechanical well drilling options might be able to complete the job quickly but might not fit within the budget for an operation that is only looking at a few wells annually.

Let&#;s take a closer look at the pros and cons of some popular manual and mechanical drilling techniques to determine which might be the best option for your operation.

Manual Techniques

For many, digging a water well brings to mind an individual in a deep, muddy hole, passing up buckets of earth, and with good reason. Hand-digging is probably the oldest and most frequently used manual method for gaining access to ground water and it&#;s a labor-intensive, dirty job.

Like other manual techniques &#; including sludging, manual percussion drilling, drive point and hand auguring &#; hand-digging requires only simple tools and a lot of hard work, which is why individuals and communities have been using these techniques effectively for so long. As the saying goes, &#;if it&#;s not broke, don&#;t fix it.&#; And for areas with limited access to heavy equipment or fuel, these techniques are still a viable option.

Pros:

• Requires simple tools that are locally accessible
• Can reach depths of 230 feet (70 meters) or deeper depending on method and geology
• Work can be completed quickly with large crews

Cons:

• High risk of surface contamination
• Difficult or impossible to drill through rock or dense soil
• Most methods become unstable at less than 33 feet (10 meters)
• Most methods require a high water table

Perhaps the biggest drawback to manually digging water wells is how inefficient the process is for multiple wells. Installing up to half a dozen wells in a single area might not break the bank, but repeatedly hiring large crews can add up quickly. Additionally, the geological impediments and the risk of contamination with manual techniques make them less attractive to contractors and groups looking to produce sustainable wells in multiple regions.

After considering the pros and cons, if manual drilling appears to be the best option for your project, manual percussion drilling is probably the most effective and widely used technique. The process consists of repeatedly dropping a heavy drill bit connected to a rope or cable in a hole partially filled with water to loosen soil and chip off pieces of rock. A sharpened drill bit and one-way valve at the bottom of the drill pipe can be added to create a hybrid percussion-sludging technique for increased efficiency. Manual percussion drilling is faster than other manual methods, capable of penetrating rock (very slowly) and is easily sealed to prevent contamination. However, mechanical percussion drilling &#; which mechanized the manual down-the-hole method &#; is a much more efficient option for operations looking for a long-term solution.

Mechanical Methods

Where manual drilling methods rely on simple tools, large work crews, hard work and patience to get the job done, mechanical drilling methods use motors, gears and fuel to power through rock and tough soils. These techniques can dig faster and deeper than manual methods and are ideal for contractors and groups looking for efficient, highly maneuverable easy-to-use equipment. For drilling a single well, they might not be cost efficient, but for operations looking to add water well drilling to their services, investing in the right water well drilling rig for your operation can offer fast ROI and open up new possibilities.

There are several popular methods, each with its own pros and cons, so consider your needs and the geology of your area of operation before committing to a mechanical drill rig.

Jetting: With this method, a pump forces water down a drill pipe and out a narrow nozzle to make a jet of water that loosens the sediment. Water outside the drill pipe carries cuttings up to the surface and into a settling pit, dug next to the borehole. The pump then returns the water back down the pipe. The drill pipe is suspended from a tripod and rotated by hand to keep the hole straight. In fine sand, this method can reach depths of 197 feet (60 meters).

Pros:

• Only requires two people
• Only tools are pump that can generate sufficient pressure and pipe

Cons:

• Only works in soft, fine-grained sediments
• Difficult to install sanitary seal to protect from surface contamination

Cable Tool: This is a mechanized version of manual percussion drilling. A heavy drill bit is attached to a steel cable and raised and dropped down the borehole. Cuttings are still manually removed with a bailer and several meters of water must be maintained in the borehole to keep the cuttings suspended. Equipment ranges from a basic skid-mounted winch with a tripod to a complex set of pulleys and drums with a large mast. Large cable tool rigs are mounted on a trailer or the bed of a truck and use hydraulic motors to raise and lower the mast and rotate the drums of the cable. These larger units are capable of drilling hundreds of feet deep through virtually any geological conditions.

Pros:

• Uses least amount of fuel

Cons:

• Slowest mechanical method
• Steel casing required to keep hole from collapsing when working in loose sediment
• Can require extra equipment like arc welder and cutting torch for drive casing

Mud Rotary: The basic concept behind the mud rotary drill rig is similar to jetting. Add a large cutting bit, lengths of steel drill pipe with threaded joints, a motor to turn and lift the drill pipe and a sturdy mast to support the pipe and you are ready for rotary well drilling. Mud rotary drilling also mixes bentonite clay or other materials in the jetting water to improve its ability to lift cuttings. This fluid is called &#;drilling mud&#; and is the &#;mud&#; referenced in the method&#;s name.

The two basic categories of mud rotary drilling are: table drive, where a rotating mechanism near the base of the rig turns the drill pipe, and top-head drive, where a motor attached to the upper end of the pipe turns it. In both cases, the upper end of the pipe is attached to a lifting mechanism that moves it along the mast. Both types of mud rotary rigs also have a swivel attached to the upper end of the pipe, allowing drilling mud to be pumped down the pipe while it is rotating.

Depending on size, a mud rotary rig can drill up to 3,281 feet (1,000 meters). The LS100 and LS200 drill rigs are mud rotary rigs at the small end of drill rig sizes, but even these smaller machines can drill an 8-inch (20-centimeter) borehole to a depth of 197 feet (60 meters). For more power in challenging soils, Lone Star developed the Hydraulic Series. The LS300H+ is capable of drilling a 6-inch (15-centimeter) borehole up to 300 feet (91.4 meters).

Pros:

• Drilling mud keeps borehole open eliminating need for drive casings
• Faster than cable tool and jetting methods

Cons:

• Drilling through rock only possible with larger rigs
• Multiple motors consume more fuel per hour than cable tool rig
• Large rigs require support vehicles to haul water and drill pipe

Air Rotary: The mechanical elements of an air rotary drill rig are similar to a mud rotary rig, including an option of table drive or top-head drive for rotating pipe. The principal difference is the use of compressed air to remove cuttings rather than drilling mud. The air rotary rig uses the same type of drill bits as the mud rig, but it can also drill with a down-the-hole hammer. It uses compressed air to break up rock and can drill very fast. A large air rotary rig can drill more than feet (500 meters) in the right geological conditions.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of well drilling head. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Pros:

• Fastest drilling method
• Quicker setup than other methods

Cons:

• Most expensive method
• Consumes the most fuel per hour
• Requires support vehicles and large air compressor

As you can see, there are lots of options for drilling water wells. The drilling method that works best for you, depends on your geology, your brawn and your budget.

With a wide variety of water well drills available online, it can be difficult to discern which features provide the best return on investment. As with bargain shopping, most items sold at discounted rates are cheaper for a reason. The headaches and downtime that come with addressing breakdowns, insufficient parts supply, poor support and premature failure often render the low initial investment useless. Cheaper is rarely better when it comes to the cost of a quality product. One way to protect your drill investment is to look for specific features that indicate the drill will be reliable and efficient for years to come.

The Powerhouses of the Drill

Mud rotary drilling is one of the fastest, most efficient methods of drilling today with superior penetration rates for a wide range of soil conditions. When using a mud rotary drill, one of the most essential components in the drilling process is the mud pump. The mud pump provides the power needed to clear the hole of cuttings &#; broken bits of solid material &#; that might otherwise hinder drilling.

When purchasing a mud rotary drill, it will come with two engines. One engine is used for the rotary or hydraulic system while the second engine controls the mud pump to ensure the unit will operate at optimum speed and efficiency for the application. Some manufacturers skimp on production costs by using small, underpowered engines on the mud pump, the rotary or hydraulic system, or both. This means the engine is always working harder to get the job done, which causes faster wear and increases the amount of servicing and repairs.

It&#;s important to note that a high-quality engine on the drill can only do so much if there isn&#;t a high-quality mud pump to support it. Although it might be tempting to buy a drill package with a cheap mud pump or to overlook this critical component, cutting corners can result in poor performance if the mud pump isn&#;t able to adequately support the drilling function.

Although it might be tempting to buy a drill package with a cheap mud pump or to overlook this critical component, cutting corners can result in poor performance if the mud pump isn&#;t able to adequately support the drilling function.

For shallower drilling projects, 5.5 horsepower engines should get the job done. These drill packages provide a maximum flow of 165 gpm and produce a maximum head of 100 feet. Some manufacturers offer packages for larger drills with mud pumps that provide up to 13 horsepower for achieving depths of up to 300 feet. These types of drill packages are designed to dig deeper, with engines that power the mud pump for a maximum flow of 200 gpm and a 2-inch suction and discharge that produces a maximum head of 190 feet. For added convenience, check to see if your manufacturer offers both gas and diesel engine options so you can choose which works best for you.

Choosing a quality drill package from a reputable manufacturer means the mud pump will provide optimal performance in demanding environments and the highest productivity when paired with the drill.

Construction is Key

Like the engines and mud pump, the construction of a water well drill can easily make or break a job when it comes to efficiency and ROI. Although drills might not look much different on the outside, taking a deeper look into specs &#; including the materials used during construction &#; can help make a quality water well drill stand out from the competition.

Drills with heavy-duty welded steel frames ensure optimal longevity and performance, but some manufacturers cut corners by using thinner steel. Although this can work for less intense projects, the low-quality design can cause the frame to bend and twist easily or show signs of premature wear due to corrosion from hot, humid climates. Thinner steel drills fail to stand the test of time with repetitive use, especially for heavy-duty jobs.

In addition, look for manufacturers that use 2-inch-diameter drill pipes and connections made of heat-treated alloy steel. This is ideal in demanding environments and ensures fewer replacements down the road. Some manufacturers cut costs by using irrigation-type pipes measuring only ¾- or 1-inch in diameter. These smaller pipes are intended for less intense applications like sprinkler installation and can break off when used in demanding environments, which can cause delays and other frustrations like re-drilling.

On top of quality construction, look for a user-friendly design that will support ease of operation and simplify routine maintenance. This includes conveniently located greasing points, and access to check and adjust the drill&#;s tension. Maintaining the drill chain tension will increase the life of the drill because excessive tension can cause faster wear or chain overload, and too much slack poses the risk of skipping a sprocket tooth. A design that provides easy access to maintenance will save time and frustration when it comes to keeping the drill in mint condition. Some drill packages are even constructed with a trailer-mounted design for convenient portability in remote areas or rugged terrain.

The Finishing Touches

In addition to finding a quality water well drill, no purchase is complete without selecting a rotary drill bit, which is critical to both longevity and performance. Using a bit that aligns with the soil conditions prevents wear and tear by helping the drill power through the soil. This can save money on drill and bit replacements in the future. Make sure the manufacturer has a variety of bits available to provide optimal performance based on the soil type.

If you will be using a hydraulic drill on hard rock formations like quartzite, granite or basalt, adding a down-the-hole hammer will allow for maximum efficiency. This product uses percussive operation and an air-powered hammer to transfer energy through carbide teeth to shatter the rock surface, while the compressed air blows away small rock fragments. A quality drill will have accessories available like down-the-hole hammers and drill bits to help maximize power and extend its life by helping the drill operate efficiently.

Don&#;t Forget Training

Although it&#;s not a tangible part of the drill, finding a manufacturer that provides training and support beyond the purchase is another sign of quality. When researching different companies, look for manufacturers that offer training manuals, videos and technical support. Some manufacturers even offer replacement parts and refurbishment options after extended use to increase the lifespan of the drill.

Proper training helps operators become familiar with equipment and provides a hands-on opportunity to view the drill and learn safe operation and maintenance procedures. It can also build an understanding of the distinct roles of the individual drill team members. This, in turn, minimizes confusion regarding individual responsibilities and reduces injuries on the job. Some manufacturers host training sessions at their facility and offer water well drill kits with necessary accessories to ensure operators get the most out of the drill.

Find out what's new in the water well market

By narrowing down the criteria for selecting a quality water well drill and focusing on features like a reliable mud pump, strong construction, excellent training and a variety of available accessories, operators and businesses will be set for long-term success. Using a quality water well drill will not only increase efficiency, it will also minimize downtime from repairs and maximize ROI.

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