How to Choose a Water Well Drilling Rig?

Water Well Drilling Machine

For water well drilling rigs, the general requirements are simple configuration, low energy consumption, easy operation, high mobility, multifunctionality, and small size. In practical application, the drilling rig must be selected according to the stratum, drilling diameter, and drilling depth as well as the drilling method.

1. Price

The price of the machine is the key factor for people to choose the right drilling rig, which is a one-time investment. The price of the machine increases with the diameter and depth of the hole.

In terms of drilling methods, submersible drilling rigs are more expensive than coring rigs, and hydraulic drilling rigs are more expensive than vertical shaft drilling rigs, which are more like mechanical drilling rigs.

From the perspective of mobility, truck-mounted rigs cost more than crawler rigs.

2. Operation cost

Operating costs significantly affect the profit one can make in the drilling business. Net profit is the amount of money a driller receives from water well drilling minus operating costs. Operating costs include personnel salaries, casing, mud and fuel costs, and rig maintenance costs.

In terms of rig type, submersible hole (DTH) rigs have higher operating costs than rotary drilling rigs that use mud pumps. Because submersible rigs require air compressors, fuel consumption is much higher. Vertical drilling rigs (mechanically driven) are more economical than hydraulic drilling rigs.

Truck Water Well Drilling Rig         

3. Drilling efficiency

Drilling efficiency depends on the formation, operator's skill/experience, type of drilling rig, and drilling method.

For rocky conditions, the most efficient method is to use a submersible drilling rig working together with an air compressor.

For soil, clay, and sandy conditions, the best method is to use a drilling rig with a mud pump.

For cobbles, a reverse circulation system is the most suitable method of drilling. It is only necessary to add a set of reverse circulation drilling tools to the existing drilling rig.

4. Drilling method

From the working principle of the drilling rig, there are 3 main drilling methods.

The hole-drilling method needs to be used with an air compressor. This is a good method for rock conditions.

Mud pump rotary drilling, is a more economical way of drilling, ideal for soil, sand, and clay formations, for rock, the drilling speed will be lower than submerged drilling.

Auger drilling, drilling without air compressor and mud pump. However, it can only drill soil, clay, and sand.

In terms of the drilling process, we have 2 types of drilling methods.

Direct circulation drilling is where drilling fluid (air or mud) is passed through the drill pipe and rock chips are carried away through the space between the outside of the drill pipe and the hole wall.

Reverse circulation drilling requires a double-walled drill pipe. The drilling fluid passes through the space between the inner wall of the outer pipe and the outer wall of the inner pipe. It is the most effective drilling method for cobble and sand and soil geological structures.

 Drilling Rig

5. After-sales service

After-sales service is another key point of drilling rig selection. During the drilling operation, the rig will have problems such as damaged parts and rig misoperation. All these need timely and professional guidance from the rig manufacturer. Otherwise, it will affect the rig user's business. 

6. Availability of spare parts

People need to consider the availability of spare parts when buying a rig. It is part of the operating cost. If spare parts are not easily available, it means you have to pay more to get it and it takes longer. All this will definitely affect the profitability of the drilling business.

7. Safety

When choosing a rig, safety comes first, including the safety of the operator, service personnel, and those around the rig while drilling and driving. Therefore, safety guards, emergency stop devices, and dust collectors are needed to protect personnel from death or injury.

8. Environmental protection

Today's countries around the world are putting forward higher requirements for environmental protection, so the engine emission level and noise level need to be considered when selecting a drilling rig.

Buyers need to refer to the standard code of the country or region where the rig will be used

These are just some of the basics of rig selection. It can be used as a guide for entrepreneurs when they plan to buy a drilling rig.