Mud rotary water well drilling is an excellent technique for the environmental industry to install groundwater monitoring wells.This mud rotary drilling method is not only efficient but allows for swift installation of monitoring wells, but it also ensures superior penetration rates, even in the hardest geological formations.
Developed during the late 19th and early 20th century, mud rotary drilling is one of the main methods of well drilling for water and oil in areas that contain unconsolidated formations. In mud rotary drilling, fluid is pumped down the hollow drill pipe, and forced out of the waterways in the drill bit. That fluid then carries the cuttings, or cut materials, through the hole and up to the surface and the mud is reused either through a mud containment system or pit. The cuttings will then settle in a pit. From there, mud will flow from another trench from the pit. A suction hose then re-pumps the mud back into the drill string and bit. As the drill drills deeper, more pipe is added until the hole is finished being drilled.
Drilling fluids most commonly used contain clay additives, in the form of bentonite, or polymer based additives. Sometimes a combination of the two are used. This fluid also acts as a borehole stabiliser. It helps keep the structural integrity of the hole in place by forming what is known as a “wall cake.” This added support allows for greater well depth.
There are two main types of mud rotary drilling: direct mud and reverse mud. Direct mud drilling is the most commonly used method and is the one described here.
Despite the numerous benefits, mud rotary water well drilling does have some challenges. The process sometimes requires substantial amounts of water, which can result in a higher level of waste compared to other drilling types. However, with innovative techniques such as recycling drilling mud and using more eco-friendly materials, companies like Precision Drilling work to significantly reduce the amount of solid waste produced by mud rotary drilling, thereby minimising its environmental impact.
The mud rotary drill rig shines in its ability to tackle a variety of soil types. Its versatility makes it ideally suited for areas that would usually restrict the application of air rotary drilling. These geological areas include bedrock, sand and gravel formations, and broken rock regions.
Bedrock, often deemed challenging due to its solidity, is smoothly penetrated by the mud rotary drill rig, proving the machine’s power and efficacy. Sand and gravel formations, known for their loose granular nature, are expertly handled, and the drill rig efficiently maintains hole integrity in such conditions. Even in the scattered debris of broken rock areas, the mud rotary drill rig performs admirably, demonstrating its adaptability.
Mud rotary drilling sometimes requires large amounts of water and because of this produces much higher levels of waste than other types of drilling. There are techniques that can reduce the amount of solid waste that is produced by rotary mud drilling, such as recycling drilling mud. We employ advanced methods to minimise solid waste production, thereby ensuring that our operations’ environmental footprint remains as minimal as possible. By combining industry best practices with innovative techniques, we continually strive to strike a balance between operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
If you need monitoring wells installed, give the environmental drilling experts at Precision Drilling Australia a call today.
They provide quality, environmentally sound drilling services to clients throughout the state of Western Australia and the surrounding areas.
With experience in all aspects of Exploration, Geotechnical, Environmental drilling, and Hydro and Water Well Drilling, we are here to look after our clients in a professional, ethical, and reliable manner, while maintaining safe, environmentally responsible practices.
Reach out to discuss your next project.